#blue is a token boyfriend. who cares.

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

Hello I was wondering if you could make a Sleep Token fanfic about IV and the reader, where the reader is getting harassed at a club and he gets protective if not that’s fine, also your work is amazing! 🤌🏻❤️

Thank you for your kind words!🥹

Fuck pubs

Pubs, cold beer, and a big crowd were how they loved to relax. It might seem strange that after listening to the drumming of their music they still wanted to be in places that thumped with sound. Call it a habit that was impossible to kill. Plus the big crowds helped them blend in. Feel more irrelevant. That was also the time most of them brought their significant others, siblings, and family to join. And let’s face it, shit friedfood was all one needed at times.

iv’s fingers absentmindedly moved up and down your back as he listened to iii rant about a guitar he had seen online. It felt right. Here with the people he loved. You on his lap. ivy had everything he wanted and needed . That alone made his shoulders sag in relief. You laughed at something one of the girls from Espera said. Throwing your head up. Leaning against iv shoulder. His hand snaked over your middle and he can’t help but smile himself.

“Do you want one more?”, your voice yanks iv out of his daydream. His blue eyes soak you in. “I guess”, he turns his empty glass in his hands. “I’ll get it for ya”, you lean in kissing his cheek before turning to stand but iv grips your hips. “I’ll get it myself, you stay by the table”, it had gotten significantly more crowded here over the last hour and the fact that you couldn’t look across the pub made iv slightly uneasy. “You just flew home, I can get you a beer”, you reassured him, leaning to the side, “iii, one more?”, the bassist only smirked at you, “You know it, darling”, you smiled soon matched his, “careful iv, might just steal your girl”. You fell into fits of giggle but iv only rolled his eyes. “I’ll be quick, promise”, brushing your lips over your boyfriend’s you quickly slipped out of the booth. iv watched you go till the moment you disappeared into the crowd. His anxiety slowly crawled up the hill.

The watch on his wrist had become his enemy. Never had he felt the length of the minute. “She’ll be fine. Won’t jump on another lad”, iii nudged IV’s shoulder. “Not worried about her jumping someone”, iv grunted, “worried about someone jumping her”. He glanced over the sea of sweaty bodies. His chest going tight. He should have gone with you. He knew that the moment you stood up. “Fine, let’s go”, iii ushered iv out of the booth, “Let’s find the lover girl before you kill somebody with the look in your eyes”.

You had only set your order. Smiling at the bartender who rushed to get everyone’s drinks ready. A shiver ran through your back at the unfamiliar feeling of warmth behind you. “What’s a babe like you doing here all alone?”, an oily voice filled your ears. Stepping to the side you tried to move away but the guy behind you pressed both of his palms on either side of you. Caging you between the bar and himself. “Don’t run off”, he stepped forward, “I just want to say hi”. You tried to put as much distance between you both but it was pointless. You knew that you should have screamed. Although the loud music would have probably drowned it out. But your body was frozen as you felt him pressing into you. The stench of alcohol was so strong it almost made you gag.

“You know if I just lift that skirt”, he mused against your ear, his hand inching towards your thigh. One moment there. The other all the air seemed to be rushing into your lungs. A grunt. And you swear you could hear a loud crunch. “You fucking pervert”, that growl makes your head turn to the side. iv is standing over the man. Knuckles white as he grips his collar, lifting him from the floor. “Don’t look”, iii chest is in front of you within a blink, making you jump. “Pull him away”, you mutter, “Let’s just go, pull him away”, your shaky hands press into iii chests as you try to sidestep him.

“Ivy”, you call out even if you know that in his anger he wasn’t gonna hear you. But you try regardless, inching towards him, before your fingers reach out to wrap around his bicep, halting the blow he was gonna deliver to the fucker laying flat on his back now. His nose was broken without a doubt with the amount of blood streaming down his face. iv was panting. But his eyes turned from black to that familiar shade of blue as he gazed at you. Your eyes slowly filling up with tears.

“Come here”, he’s reaching out, one hand gripping the back of your head as he pulls you into him. “What did he do? Did he touch you? Are you hurt?”, he’s pulling back so soon, looking you all over. You shake your head. But you know that he sees right through you. His nostrils flare and he’s turning back around. “I will fucking end him”, he snarls but you pull at him with both of your hands, “Don’t, don’t go, don’t leave me”, you blurt out. Hands fisting into his black shirt. He glances one more time at the man lying on the floor. Before nodding toward iii. “We’re going”, he barks out, throwing his arm around your shoulder. Pulling you as close to him as he possibly can. “I’m sorry i let you go”, he breathes against the side of your head. You reach up, lacing your fingers through his, “I just want to go home, just take me home”, he gives you a clipped nod. Before walking you out of the stuffy building. Squeezing your hand from time to time. Waiting for you to do the same. The silent reassurance. The silence plea. Until he can warp you up in his arms. Until he can chase the sickening feeling away.

[darkdevasofdestruction]

My Glaze Lily ~ Baizhu x Reader

Summary: Baizhu and reader have been childhood sweethearts, all the way into adulthood, to the point that everyone calls them the perfect couple, and they scold him for not proposing already. They don’t know the suffering that each of the two harbour deep in their hearts, nor the strings of fate shackling them and pulling them away from each other.

At age four, Baizhu went out with his mum to play in the flower field. Here, he saw the most beautiful flower of them all, a flower princess no doubt, one that was capable of putting to shame anything which could have the attribute ‘pretty’ attached to it. He looked up at his mum and tugged on her sleeve, asking how he could start talking to her - He was shy, and had no clue what to say! His mother smiled at him tenderly and told him to pick the flower he liked the most, and offer it to her, as a token of friendship.

With a happy grin on his face, Baizhu started running around the field, until he spotted a glowing flower of a particular light blue hue, similar to the azure sky, but much more unique. Happy with his gift, he went in front of the girl sitting on the ground - She was so beautiful that Baizhu forgot how to speak. His cheeks went flush with warmth, and he looked down bashfully. The long, luscious hair, made out of flowers, and pretty long dress she was wearing, the lovely melody she was humming... And those eyes... Those sparkling eyes like the most previous gems in the whole country...

“Hi! My name is Y/N, it’s nice to meet you!” even her voice was so gorgeous! She was speaking to him! “M-My uh... My name is Baizhu. I... I think you’re very pretty! Can we be friends?!” he asked, closing his eyes shut as he shoved the flower in her face. “Oh, a glaze lily, how lovely! Thank you so much, Baizhu!” she giggled sweetly, gingerly taking the flower from his hand and putting in in her hair. “We can be the best of friends!” she continued, getting up and putting the flower crown she was working on, on his head. “You are the prettiest boy I’ve ever seen! Maybe you can be my boyfriend.” she hummed, leaning in to kiss his red cheek. “B-Boyfriend?! O-Oh, I--I... Y-Yes, I-I’d like that!” though his heart was beating fast, he breathed out an exhale of pure relief - He was the happiest he’s ever been. With a gleeful squeal, Y/N clinged on his arm, and they walked together through the field - Though Y/N was the one speaking for the most part, Baizhu couldn’t help but steal glances at her face, shining with the warm caress of the Sun rays.

At age seven, Baizhu found his sweet lily on the ground next to a tree, whimpering and holding her knee. Looking up, he saw a single ripe fruit, somewhere on the top branch, and he realised Y/N tried to climb up to snatch it, only to fall due to a withered branch and injure herself. “Don’t cry, my dear glaze lily. I’ll make the pain go away.” he reassured her, taking out the first aid kit his mum prepared for him, in case something happens while out playing, and he took out a napkin, wetting it with a healing toner to clean the scrap on her knee, before applying some marigold and sweet flower ointment and bandaging it carefully.  At the end, he placed a soft kiss where the injury was, and when he looked at the girl, he noticed her sweet blush. “Here, I kissed it better.” he said, before urging her to hop on his back.  “H-Hey, let me down, you can’t get me all the way home!” she protested, her face buried in the crook of his neck. “Just let your boyfriend take care of you.” the green haired boy chuckled, feeling her grip tighten slightly from embarrassment. He loved seeing how cute she could be.

At age eleven, Baizhu went over to Y/N’s home, wanting to study together under the tutelage of her mum, who was a renowned herbalist, but as he got on the premise, he heard her beautiful voice singing a melody. Following her tune, he found her dancing in the flower garden, wearing the prettiest blue dress there ever was... But something peculiar was happening, as uncontrolled shapes of water were being bent in the air with every wave of her hands, and with a controlled amount, the flowers were being wet and fertilised. It seemed that Y/N received her Hydro Vision, and she was using it the best she knew - To tend to her dearest garden. “Among flowers, the glaze lily.” he found himself praising her. Y/N stopped her dance, surprised at the interruption, and the water dissipated in thin air. “Among men, the scholar.” she smiled sweetly at him, revealing the blue noctilucous jade tassel that she attached the Vision to, and put at her sash. “You are the most special flower in the entire Teyvat.” he couldn’t help but adore her. “And soon, you will be getting your Vision also.” she encouraged. “After all, we are soulbound, you and I.”

At age thirteen, Baizhu’s chronic illness became evident, and there was little any of the healers could do to cure him, except for making his day to day life easier to bare with. Y/N’s mum would concoct all the most revolutionary potions, yet nothing worked completely. Y/N would visit the boy daily, and would cuddle into his side, resting her head on his chest to hear his beating heart and make sure he was doing alright - Though the crepitant noise that rumbled his lungs as he coughed only made her cry with fear - She was so afraid of losing him, that she didn’t want to be pried away from his side. Since then, she’s been trying desperately hard, to the point of fainting from exhaustion; What was the point of having a vision that had the power of healing, if she couldn’t even save her soulmate?  “Please don’t be so upset, Y/N, I will be fine. Maybe I can’t go run a marathon, but I’ll still be around for as long as you’ll have me.” he would caress her silky hair “I want you by my side forever. I don’t want to imagine a life without you in it. That is no life - That is just an illusion.” Baizhu couldn’t help but smile, his heart melting with love for the girl. “Don’t worry, my sweet glaze lily. Even when the twilight is gone, I will never leave you.”

At age fifteen, Baizhu received his Dendro Vision, and began practicing his new-found powers; Much to his pleasure, he was perfectly capable of healing also; And though he was unable to cure his condition, his body felt a little stronger - Stable, at least. The mere notion that he could, in the future, open a pharmacy or hospital of sorts and run it together with Y/N, then he was sure the people of Liyue were going to be happy and accounted for. Out of sheer bliss, he ran over to Y/N’s place, coughing slightly from the effort - And as soon as he saw her, he cupped her face and kissed her tenderly and full of passion, making her mind go completely blank. That playful smile, as he leaned back, only made her feel dizzy from emotions. “Give me your mornings and give me your Sun, and when it sets, give me your darkest nights too, because I am ready for anything, just to be with you, for as long as we roam this earth.” and he kissed her again.

At age seventeen, Baizhu was proud to admit he learnt everything he could from the healers of Liyue Harbour, and found a new master, with whom he would travel the country far and wide, and study new things, so controversial, so different from everything that he’s ever been taught. It wasn’t easy, staying away from the love of his life, though he knew, at the end of each journey, he will return to her, and will kiss her even more lovingly than the time before, and each time, he will make their time spent together even more meaningful. “Worry not, my love - When you return, I shall be waiting for you with open arms. Not till the mountains crumble, or the earth mingles with the sky, will I ever cease to love you. You are the love of my life, and our souls are one.” hearing her sweet confession, he couldn’t help but feel his eyes gleam with tears, and he kissed her the whole night, to last for as long as he will be away.

At age twenty-five, Baizu’s fellow apprentice, Jiangli, had already left and settled down with her husband, and their master had died an early death. Standing over his grave, with the white snake wrapped around his neck, he realised how fleeting human life is, akin to the petals of a beautiful flower.  Why should physicians die so early? They save others, but who saves them? And Changsheng, also, should she continue being passed on and on, from pact to pact, to the point of disappearing out of this world? The pact says the master and the pact forger are in complete balance, and Changsheng can balance out the qi in his body; She can help transfer life force, toxins, poisons from one body to another, a most important power that only those like him can possess - But at what cost? Thus, Baizhu was set on ending the vicious cycle that surrounded them. Everything will stop with him. Once he manages to create the perfect Elixir of Immortality, there will be no reason for people to mourn his death, nor will Changsheng need to either die, or be forced to make another pact to survive. The wheel of life and death will stop be stopped in time.

At age thirty, Baizhu had already opened the renowned Bubu Pharmacy, together with his childhood sweetheart, and they were working together each and every day. The old ladies were scolding him for not proposing to Y/N already, saying she can’t wait forever for flowers wilt, but he’d only chuckle at them dismissively. Y/N was his most precious glaze lily, whether young or old, her beauty will never wither. “Though the seasons of our hearts and bodies may change, I will still be holding you in my arms all the same.” he would tell her, sealing that promise with another kiss. Y/N remained unquestioning when it came to Changsheng, the talking white snake, yet he was not going to admit to the truth any time soon; She was going to remain a simple companion. With the addition of the little zombie child that he saved and took under his wing, people would now joke that Qiqi was their child, and they were a beautiful family together - Y/N seemed to love that idea and was quickly on board with it, but he, once again, simply smiled and remained silent.

Baizhu was now thirty-three of age, and though his healing work was in a glorious uprise, his relationship with Y/N was degrading quickly. Perhaps it was his illness, or the fact that Changsheng was loose-lipped and told the secret of their pact; Maybe it was the way his health was deteriorating with each of the more difficult cases he had to treat, or simply, that she couldn’t take seeing him outright killing himself, in an attempt to reach the ultimate knowledge of immortality. They began arguing, even publicly - Or rather, it was her who was arguing, as he remained quiet; His heart was shattering, every time he’d see the depressed and desperate look on her face, and the tears of agony her soul was shedding, all for him. He had promised her willow blossom dreams, only to find sorrows hidden on the moon. He was such a hypocrite. “Y/N, please don’t forget that all of my tomorrows belong only to you, my love.” he would attempt to approach her, only for her to step back. “The way you are continuing living your life, you hardly have any tomorrows to offer at all, Baizhu! If it were humanly possible, I would have gladly traded all of my days, just to spend a single more night with you - But even with that, you are not satisfied. You want it all - You are greedy, you think yourself capable of achieving something that even Gods cannot dream of - But Baizhu, you fail to accept your own position; You are just a human, nothing more! We were made to live a short yet plentiful life, and then perish! From the earth we rise, and in the earth we return. You have become obsessed with this idea of immortality - But nothing, not the skies, not the earth or the oceans, not even the rocks or Heaven itself - Nothing exists forever! That is the law of nature, Baizhu, understand already! All that you are doing is feeding your own delusions and forgetting to live this life! You are killing yourself to save others, but who is going to save you?! You are saving others the grief of loss, but what about those who love you?! What about ME?! Am I not going to mourn you? Am I not allowed to weep, watching the love of my life destroying himself, for the sake of others?!” Baizhu would hang his head and sigh deeply; how he hoped to somehow find the proper words to comfort her, to tell her that everything will be okay, and that he will surely find the solution to all of their woes; He wanted to fall to his knee and ask for her hand in marriage - He’s been wanting that for thirty-one years already, when he first offered that glaze lily to her - They were soulbound, one without the other couldn’t exist... Yet the way he was now, he was doing nothing but hurting her - The sole reason he dismissed each and every attempt at remaining as close as they used to be, was out of fear of hurting her with dreams and hopes for the future, only for that future to be snatched away from them, just like his master’s tomorrows had been cut short. “If rains from the Heavens can save the Earth from calamity, then surely, so can I, right?” he found himself speaking impersonally, almost soulless even. “Victory is only for those who are willing to pay the price.” “After three decades, you would sacrifice even our love, just for a stupidly idealistic delusion that’s been poisoning your mind.” her words cut him deep. “You’ve changed, Baizhu. You are not the same man that I fell in love with. You are just the shell of him. The Baizhu I knew would not have abandoned me and everyone he loves like this.” he took a sharp inhale, his eyes widening in realisation at her words. Abandoned her? Has he truly pushed aside the one he loved the most in this life, because of his obsession with saving everyone around him? “I cannot do this anymore, Baizhu. I said I was going to wait for you for as long as it took - But there is nothing but desolation to wait for. I am getting old, I cannot continue wasting my life begging for an illusion to become reality anymore. I have to accept that my soulmate died and is never coming back. You have becoming nothing but fire and ice, and the touch of you burns my hands like snow.” he couldn’t help but watch Y/N turn around, tears running down her face, as she left the Pharmacy. “Farewell, my lost love. I will never forget the precious memories we lived together.”  “Y/N, please wait--” yet he remained with his arm hanging in the air, his fingers missing the empty grasp of her sleeve - He was unable to catch her and stop her from leaving him.

The Sun went down, and the silver moon was gracing the dark sky, and Baizhu was all alone to walk home. He looked up, gazing at the graceful celestial body, and a tear escaped his beautiful eye. He was alone. Truly alone. Alone as he’s never been in his whole life. “The moon reminds me of your grace, all the love I can’t repay... Live on and now that I will pray, farewell, my dearest soulmate.” a hand was clenched tightly over his heart; His chest was burning with a searing agony that he’s never felt before. There was a hole inside of his, like an abyss, numb, yet also suffering. He felt himself rooted to the spot, unable to move his feet anymore. Changsheng also sighed, nuzzling her head onto his cheek lovingly. “If I were the rain that binds together the Earth and the Sky, whom in all eternity never mingle... Would I be able to bind two lost hearts together once more?” her wondering seemed to only bring more sorrow to her healer. “Y/N was right, you know? Long have you been agonising yourself with a noble yet silly task you’ve proposed yourself, and in this journey you set on, you’ve lost track of the important things in a mortal’s life.” the snake scolded him tenderly. “I appreciate you thinking about me and all the people in the world... But Baizhu, my friend, is it worth it? Your health is quickly deteriorating, and your years are depleting. You aren’t getting any younger, and neither is Y/N. There is only so much humans can live... Is it worth throwing away all your happiness, and denying Y/N, when she’s the only reason you’ve been smiling ever since I met you?” Once again, Baizhu found no viable words in his vast vocabulary to reply to his companion, and instead, with yet another sigh from deep inside his damaged soul, he found the inner strength mustered to return to his empty home and rest. His soul was empty, his house was empty, his bed was empty... Yet his mind was busier, more crowded than it’s ever been. Thoughts were running rapidly through his brain, all of them regarding the love of his life and how he managed to alienate her, to drive her away, after so many years spent together, with the most utopic, idealistic love there was, something so pure and true, like the beauty of the glaze lily she resembled.

There had to be something capable of convincing her to return... Yet with each day spent apart, it made him wonder, if there was any hope of reunion for them. He must have truly shattered her heart, and though they were both healers, there was no way to mend a broken soul.

Fate has brought them together, and fate was going to separate them, with the cruel claw that ripped them away from one another. He feared death keeping them apart, yet it was his own actions that accomplished something that none could ever foresee.

A rather peculiar situation brought upon by the Traveler herself and her own white fairy companion, and this child seeking his lost father. He quickly guessed that this man was the husband of Jiangli, his previous fellow apprentice, and soon, his suspicions were proven; She was giving away her life to create a cure for him, from demonic essence - It was expanding his lifespan, at the cost of his memory... And her own life. Twice now, in the custody of his Pharmacy, had he treated this man by extracting the poison in his body and getting it in his own bloodstream. Even Changsheng balancing out the qi in his body was incapable of keeping him on his feet, and he was feeling the worst he’s ever did, unable to even stand for the whole day. He was glad, for once, that Y/N wasn’t there to see the pitiful state he was in, sweating and wincing in pain, his joints aching from exhaustion, his head muddled and foggy. “Aiya, Baizhu, Baizhu, you’re going to reach your limit soon if you continue this way. Have you learnt nothing, truly? Are you still so hell-bent on that Immortality dream of yours?” the man could only pant, changing the cold, wet napkin from his forehead to keep his mild fever down. He lowkey wished Y/N were there to heal him, to make him feel better, to smile at him and dispel all of his worries... Alas, that would simply be selfish of him, and he’s already abused her kindness enough as it was. “You are a hopeless fool, but a fool in love.”

Much to his dismay, before he could properly rest, the Traveler went to visit him, check on his health and well-being... And once again, that snake of his had to tell the truth of their pact and his condition. How annoying - He disliked having people worry so much about him. Still, with the help of the father, they went together and found the cave from where Jiangli was taking the demonic essence with which she was creating the temporary cure for her husband. Alas, the more she spent around this essence, the less time alive she had, and there came the dilemma that woke him up to reality - The reason for him wanting to achieve the cure of immortality -

Jiangli was willing to sacrifice her life to help her husband continue living... And her husband was ready to die, just to spare her from torturing herself for his sake. A love so pure, so true... A love much like his own with Y/N... A love so agonising... Like the story of Romeo and Juliet, only fated to end with despair and heart ache.

Before Jiangli could wake up, the husband held her in his arms, confessing his endless love for her before ordering him to destroy the source of the demonic essence.  Baizhu had Qiqi make another elixir for him, to keep him alive after death, an artificial half-life that would ensure a few more brief moments together... Enough for a farewell, he said... But was it truly? Was any amount of time enough for a farewell, when humans were a most greedy race, and once they got their hands on something, they needed more and more, insatiable to the core?

Jiangli scolded him for neglecting that which is most important to him - His own happiness and his thirst for living, though there was little she could preach, when she herself was guilty of the very same sin. She was so desperate to keep her loved one alive, that she was willing to sacrifice her own life - And he was doing the exact same thing.  “Neither you nor Y/N is in any danger of dying soon. Don’t follow Jiangli’s path if you don’t need to!” Changshen, once again, reproached him, before they followed to the small feast. Baizhu, though he kept a passive, polite smile on his face, remained silent for the most time, allowing his snake companion to speak in his place. His mind was set only on Y/N, and his love for her.  Was it worth living an eternity, without the love of his life by his side? Even if he gains immortality, would he be able to bring him with her? Could he bare seeing her wither away and die, while he is cursed to live who knows how many lifetimes to come?

That night, guided by the graceful night of the moon, he searched for Y/N. She was not at home, but sitting on a rock by the river flowing. Next to her, a bottle of osmanthus wine, and a cup in her hand. He silently sat by her side, and though she hadn’t looked his way, she handed him her cup to drink from. Long ago, it was a tradition for couples to drink wine from the same cup during their wedding, such an intimate moment they shared together for so long, that it became a regularity in their lives, only to be destroyed by his own fears.

“Though I withdraw my sword to cut the water, it still runs. I toast to dispel worry, and create more worry. The water still flows, though we cut it with our swords, and sorrow returns, though we drown it with wine.” she muttered, looking up at the moon with the void of emptiness that became her heart. “I was foolish to cast away my reason for living, in an attempt to reach a forever life, but what is the point of living, if my soulmate isn’t there to hold my hand throughout our shared journey? We have been soulbound since before the creation of times, and will remain so, even when we become flowers in the ground. That is the tragic course of life - Or so I thought it tragic, until I realised that there is nothing more painful than losing my very heart.” Baizhu’s words seemed to make Y/N turn her head to look at him, the small tears gathering in her eyes sparkling like diamonds from the silver, gentle light of the moon. “I am selfish, and I am greedy, just like you, Baizhu. I cannot imagine a life without you... I cannot imagine having to live so long, watching you give away bits of your own lifespan to others, until the day you die before your time. How can I bare with that? I cannot. You drove me away, fearing hurting me, yet in doing so, you only made me suffer more. What is the point of going on with a long life, if there is no reward and no happiness? Surviving and living... They are different words with different meanings. I do not want to just survive, I want to live... And I want to continue loving you. But I can only do that if you live - In the present - With me. No more sacrificing yourself for the sake of others. For once, just live - For yourself, as well as for me.” Baizhu smiled at her, and shifted his position on the ground so that he was on one knee, his hands holding gingerly her own, kissing them tenderly.  “Then, my most beloved glaze lily, if you have it in your heart to forgive me and take me back, will you allow me to ask if you’d like to marry me?” the instant change of emotions pooling in her eyes, from a anguish and loneliness, to pure love, and she threw her arms around his neck, pulling him into a loving kiss. “If we were to be reborn a hundred thousand times, I would choose only you to spend all of my days and nights with, until the earth is no more.”

At thirty-five years of age, Baizhu was now happily married to the love of his life, Y/N, and together, they kept successfully running Bubu Pharmacy. They lived together, and loved each other, for as long as they remained alive. They took care of Qiqi for as long as she had, and even when she was no more, they continued to live, not just survive. Though the dream of immortality was still lingering in his mind, tweaked around with every wrinkle that appeared with the years coming, he was content with the beautiful memories that he was blessed with.

Life was finally the way it was supposed to be.

Happy.

[sentientcave]

IT'S WIP WEDNESDAY (Baybeeeeee) and P requested more Rugby so that's what you're getting. Everyone say thank you to @pfhwrittes

This is right after HERE if you're wondering where it fits in. I gotta finish this thang one of these days and post it all together in order.

Trans man reader, alcohol mention, food mention. All that and more right here below the cut:

"Joined for you," Simon grunts, settling in on the couch in front of you, dark eyes intense. "We was passin' by one of your practices and watched you get flattened by Roy four times in a row, but you just, 'opped right back up grinnin’. Johnny and I both thought you'd be a lad worth knowin'. Was right too." "Aw, sentimental much, Si," you tease. "Got yourself saddled with a runt just because you liked watching me get stomped on, eh?" "He likes doin' the stompin'," Johnny laughed. "Nightmare in bed, LT. Wouldna believe wha he puts me through." He drops the plates on a clear spot on the table and drops onto the couch beside Simon. "You probably deserve it," you tease, not really thinking about it. Not expecting Johnny to sit up straight and look at you like that, his blue eyes feverish, excited. "Oh aye?" He asked. "You think so do ye? You'd be real mean to me too, would ya?" "Easy, Johnny," Simon rumbles, gripping Johnny by the back of the neck. "He started it." You roll your eyes. "Did not." "Ye cannae tell a man you'd be mean ta him and say ye didna start it, Ripper. S'not playin' fair." "Didna say that. Said you deserved what Simon gives you. Not the same thing." "Pretty well the same. Got me all excited just the same." You give Simon a look. "Youd think he'd be tired after all that running around." "Never to tired to flirt, this one." Simon gave Johnny a little shake. "But 'e's a good boy." "Course he is. Johnny's our best boy." You drop into your chair and crack open your beer, grinning at the scandalized look on Johnny's face. "That one was on purpose." "Sure was." "Wee bastard. Dinnae even care what you're doin' ta me." "Oh fuck off, Tav, you do these things to yourself." He grins, leaning forward to put some egg rolls and a pile of noodles on his plate. "Sure, but I think of ye the whole time." You look at Simon, who's apparently hardly paying attention at all while his boyfriend flirts with you, more shameless than ever. You gesture at him, shaking your head. "You've got all this at home, and you're still going to flirt with anything you see, huh? Bit of a slag, Johnny." "You ever shagged a bloke, Rip?" Simon asks, before Johnny has a chance to come up with a response to that. "You only ever mention going out with girls." You snort. "Course I have." "Course ye have?" Johnny splutters. "What do ye mean? Like it's a fuckin' given?" "Johnny, settle down," Simon warns him. "S'just a question." You sip your beer and set it down, shaking your head. "I thought that's why we started hanging out,” you continue while you load up your own plate with greasy takeout, stomach growling. Chinese is pretty much the perfect meal after a game, better than pub food would have been. “We're the only queers in the club. I mean-- All my other friends are lesbians. Did you think I was just some kind of token straight guy?" “Fuck if I know, ye’ve never said as much,” Johnny says. “Would be rude to presume.” “Well, now you know,” you say, tossing the tv remote at him. “Find us something to watch.

[theideasofarchimedes]

okay btw

In Between

🟨 Violent But Only At Necessary Levels

🟧 Violent At Unneeded Levels

my depiction of the cyclone incident

The cart clattered against the tracks as it reached the crest of the rollercoaster. Penny looked around and tried her best to evaluate the situation. Right next to her was Ricky Potts, her on and off boyfriend. Ricky was only in the choir because Ocean, his third cousin twice removed, forced him into it.

In front of her was Mischa Bachinski, a foster kid from Ukraine. Out of all of them, Mischa was the only one qualified to be apart of the choir. Next to him, Noel Gruber, the schools token gay kid. Noel was conniving but he was also kind and stood up for whoever ocean spoke to.

In the front seats were Constance Blackwood, a caring alto, and her terrible, horrible, no good best friend Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg, who also happened to be a peace activist…

“Hey wait a minute what’s up with the track?” Mischa uttered and Penny’s attention snapped back to the moment at hand. She looked straight at the loop-de-loop, and part of the apex was torn and broken off.

“HEY! HEY GET US OFF!” Ocean screamed down to the operator who was slouched against the panel, a beer bottle in his hand, and drool dripping from his face.

“Oh my god we’re gonna die.” Noel said trying to wrestle the buckle off of him.

“Don’t say that- the cart hasn’t moved in a bit.” Constance tried to assure everyone. Suddenly Noel got the buckle to come off.

Penny looked at Ricky who had his eyes covered with his hands. Penny was freaking out, sweating not even bullets but shotgun shells. She looked at the setting sun, it was only around 6 for christ’s sake. She looked back down at the carnie working the panel, who pressed a large blue button and suddenly the cart flew down the hill.

It was a cacophony of screams. As the cart climbed up the loop-de loop Noel and Mischa flew out the middle row and to the bottom of the loop. Noel fell onto his back, with minor injuries. Mischa flew down on top of him crushing the rickety track below causing the two to plummet down to steel beams and the ground. Noel died immediately after his skull was crushed by Mischa’s elbow.

The cart reached the top of the loop and so much happened at once. Everyone flew out except Ocean. Constance flew out to the part of the coaster they were just on and banged her head. She fell down against track and as she tumbled down to the trough it faded quick to black.

Mischa slammed against each support beam, and his broken fingers flailed wildly trying to grab for something but he soon found the cold embrace of the ground felt way more comforting.

Ricky slammed against the track. He felt he couldn’t hold on and fell into the air. He felt the wind against his skin as he was carried off away from the cyclone, even spotting that creepy coin operated fortune teller. He wanted to scream, but he couldn’t. He could hear a loud crunch as he hit the shooting range in the middle of the fair. A few bullets hit him, but it wasn’t what killed him.

Ocean screamed, she screamed, and screamed, but no one heard. The cart was flying rapidly towards a bunch of trees. She screamed to herself a strange collection of sorry words. A loud bang and deafening silence told her she had hit a tree, but a cold nothingness told her she was gone.

Penny flew through the air, almost gracefully. She waved her arms around, not screaming, but accepting it. She was sailing through space, and for years it felt like she’d been spinning round. She looked down and saw where the missing part of the track had went. It was sitting somewhere near the finale of the ride, and it had clearly been taken off to be fixed. As she hurtled towards it her neck hit the side and it went clean off. Her head flew into the trees, her body down a few yards away from Mischa’s.

[uraniumnm333]

HI. HELLO. YES IT'S ME THE FA AU POLYSHO PERSON. it's funny because olysho's like a small amount of the au. like the main character is ichika. and the main ship is ichihona. so silly right all this chaos is going down.

miku is an actual existing character here because i love the virtual singer they need to be added in more fantasy aus for god's sake and not just the humans. her design is the sakura cherry tree 1.5 colorfes card! her hair used to be blue but she dyed it and her eyes are always closed. she's a mysterious magic lady that is probably the narrator idk haven't figured that out yet *CUES THE KAGAMINE TWINS THAT BOTH PINE OVER HER* yeah she saved the two from dying lolololol

yeah, rui sorta made a fancy potion allowing nene to walk on land. along with other mermaids. aka luka lolz!!! the reason he was able to cure saki is because he practically did all the work before,, he saved luka from dying.

KAITO WHITE DAY MEIKO AN WEDDING SHOOT THING KAIMEI KAIMEI KAIMEI KAIMEI KA- (i am so normal about them)

ACTUAL summary of the main plot is: there are two kingdoms. one in the mountains cold brrr (aoyagi kingdom), and the other not cold near the ground (tenma kingdom). they r in war. they were always fighting but like a cold war (pun intended). BUT when the tenmas took toya from the aoyagis (AS DESERVED) they started actually being in war yeah. ichika used to live in the mountains under the aoyagi's rule but she ran away lolololz!!! and then met honami, a girl who lived alone. she was a girl she was a girl this lesbian story will change your perception of love.

also akitoya but akito almost dies (WHY DO THE BOYFRIENDS KEEP ON ALMOST DYING HELP) (it's aoyagi harumichi's fault) (well only for akito's almost death) (rui just got poisoned lololol!!!)

mafuyu finds her true self having to take care of both this knight that got stabbed and this magic alchemist dude that might've gotten himself in a jiffy. kanade is a reseacher for the knights. ena cursed herself and now has horns. mizuki is a knight. they cause chaos occasionally

minoharu canon, we all die, so much lore, sorry for ranting about the sillies again.

HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT ????

Mafuyu watching Tsukasa Rui Emu and nene pine is so goofy,,, but on the other hand they’re all so endearing to him,,, he’s so happy when they all finally get together it’s so silly,,,

ICHIKA AND HONAMI CHANGING MY PERCEPTION OF LOVE FORWVER AND EVER !!! I’d like to think Saki is like. Seventh wheeling at this point. She’s gotta see Tsukasa and the gang, toya and akito, ichika and honami, whatever the hell Mafuyu is doing w his self-discovery, ect ect ect. She is going CRAZY !!!

minoharu being the token “we have our shit together” couple is so funny to me. War and violence and then BAM !!! Lesbians

also akito and toya !!! Akito originally only saving toya bc “well it’s orders and Tsukasa wants him saved so *shrug*” to “he’s actually kind of growing on me” to “I would lay down my life for this man.” All while toya is doing his little silly thing

ALSO YOU DIDNT MENTION THEM BUT AN AND KOHANE ??? I’d like to think they also have their own “love but we can’t” vibe where the both of them are from rival families in the tenma kingdom and m. Boom. Lower one’s eyes moment and they just start dancing in the ballroom. Everyone learns love is love 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

Kaimei in the background is so silly to me like they’re trying to help all these children and they’re also in love *explosion*

[skwistokgetalongshirt]

🍁🥭🍸🎂🍬 MISSYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

[Emoji OC Asks]

🍁 [MAPLE LEAF] What is your OC's favourite season? Why and what do they do during it?

Being from California she feels like she doesn't experience any "true" seasons but it's going to have to be 'fall' since that's spooky season. Fall is just focused on celebrating Halloween... She wants to watch as many horror movies as possible. :)

🥭 [MANGO] What colours best represent them and why? Does this differ from their favourites?

The best colors to represent Missy are black, red, and purple. Her wardrobe usually consists of darker color outfits (usually being black more than anything). When she does add color it's most likely going to be red (Thanks early 2000's Hot Topic influence). Purple because of her hairdye of course. Her favorite colors are blue, green, and purple.

🍸 [COCKTAIL] When was the first time your OC had an alcoholic beverage? What did they think of it?

As a teenager, Missy tried beer once at a party but she didn't care for it in the slightest. That experience was enough for her to hold off on trying any other alcoholic drink until she was legally allowed to drink. As much as she wants to seem "brutal" she was such a behaved kid for the most part.

🎂 [BIRTHDAY CAKE] How does your OC celebrate their birthday? With who, and where?

Missy's definitely the type to want to celebrate her birthday for most of the month usually just buying things for herself and saying she deserves to treat herself (rightfully so). She usually just enjoys going out to eat to new restaurants she hasn't tried and getting drunk honestly. It's especially more fun with her boyfriends and friends around too.

🍬 [LOLLY/CANDY] What would your OC like to receive for Valentine's Day/as a token of love?

Missy really loves sappy, romantic gestures like she would be happy getting jewelry as a token of love. She's always wanted a heart shaped necklace with the name of her beloved(s). She enjoys anything that is matching with her partners because she likes that sense of having something physical to show off as a symbol of belonging to someone else and them belonging to her too.

[v-love]

Baby Steps

Chapter One

Kai Anderson x Black Masc!Reader

Summary: You live alone in the cold state of Michigan. You find unexpected comfort in a slightly deranged blue haired man who was not as deranged as he likes to front.

Warnings: A bit of angst, semi sexual situations (you have to squint a little), other than that its fluff at the end!

Not proofread </3

Images/GIFS are not mine.

Word Count: 2,229

Your hands shake softly as you walk through the streets of Michigan, the cool air biting at your cheeks. Currently, you were irritated by something some drunk had told you at the club tonight. You couldn’t understand why people had to be such assholes to you; all you were doing was living. You sigh softly as you unlock the door to your small home. It wasn’t much but it was yours, a place for you to feel safe. That didn’t last though, just two days before you had to deal with neighbors trying to figure you out. “You live alone? But such a handsome young man surely has a girlfriend or something.” The blond woman standing in front of you, Meadow, said. You weren’t too bothered by the assumption of you having a partner nor did the assumption of you being straight.

“I’m gay so you wouldn’t see too many girls here but yeah, I don’t really have anyone.” The brunette man also standing in front of you, Harrison, stands up a bit more straight, now fully paying attention to you. “It’s still a shame; you’re still a…very handsome man.” He says, his eyes taking in your form. You shift a bit, facing him. “I suppose…anyways, I have to finish setting up things so I can start dinner. My friend is coming over, she’ll be hungry.” You say giving your best apologetic smile. You weren’t entirely lying, you just didn’t care for people investigating your life and why you were alone. Sure you were very strong and handsome, who wouldn’t want you. That was the problem, people wanted a token black boyfriend. A token black friend. A quick fling. You weren’t interested in having people like that in your life.

Remembering that encounter with your neighbors, you frown as you lock the door. You hadn’t seen too much of them in the past few days. You look up as someone calls your name. “Rough time at work?” Your friend Kayla says as she walks up to you, helping with your coat. “Of course, it’s a bar. I’m bound to be called some type of slur.” You laugh dryly and hang the coat, feeling Kayla hug you from behind. “You could always come and work for me, Angel Cake.” Turning around to fully hug her, you smile softly at the endearment. She had always said you smelled like the delicious angel cakes you two used to eat you were little. “You and I both know I don’t want to rely on anyone anymore, KJ. I know that my best friend is super successful in her business but I need to do this on my own.” Sighing, she pulls away and takes you to the kitchen, choosing not to argue. As you two eat what she made for you, she tells you that in the morning she had to go back home. “It was nice that you stayed over this weekend. I wish they didn’t have to call me in today.” You say, looking at her with an apologetic look. “Oh forget that, I really don’t care. You have Hulu so I was fine.” She says and laughs, making you chuckle a bit as well. As you both clean up, you listen to her talk about her bakery. You look over at her, she was absolutely glowing with happiness. She talked about how well things were going with her new man, James. You snort a bit every time she mentions him because he looked exactly like someone you both enjoyed watching on tv. As you both settle into the same bed, drifting closer to hold each other, you think about how you both used to do this when you were younger and how long ago it was since you both last did this. Smiling, you fall asleep and dream about you both as children.

In the morning you awake alone. You smile a bit as you remember Kayla’s foot kicking your thigh. She was still the same as always. Stretching as you get out of bed, you head over to the bathroom, brushing your teeth and washing your face. Your hands tremble a bit from the cold water as you dry them and our face, looking at the mirror. “I need a line up...where’s my phone?” You look around and find it, texting your barber if he had any free spots today or tomorrow. While waiting for his response you get ready to go run errands. Slipping on your shoes and zipping up your coat, you walk to the bus stop. You had to pick up your car today, you were excited to finally be able to drive again instead of getting on a lukewarm bus. Waiting for the bus, you see Harrison getting in his car with a gym uniform. “He could probably hook me up with a membership...” you say to yourself as the bus stops in front of you. You scan your card and sit down towards the back, silently watching the world pass by. 

Getting off of the bus, you walk to the workshop, smiling at your mechanic. “Hey, how much do I owe you?” You say to him, watching him get the receipt and handing it to you. As you paid, you two talk about whatever you both saw on the news and the weather. Soon you’ll be needing new tires for the winter. As you get in the car you sigh softly, money was getting tight but you needed to fix your car. It wouldn’t have lasted long if you just left it alone. Driving to the gym you sigh, wondering if you should get another job there. Getting out of the car and heading inside the gym, you look around, taking in the atmosphere. It didn’t feel stuffy or uncomfortable to be there like in other places. You see Harrison walking up to you with a pleased smile on his face. “Well hello there, I didn’t know you worked out here.” He says, holding a rag and some spray. “I don’t, I actually wanted to sign up. I didn’t know you worked here, maybe you could help me.” You say, ignoring the way Harrison looked a you. “I definitely can.” You watch as he slips behind the counter, typing and clicking away to get you set up. After he hands you paperwork to fill out. “When you’re done just come get me. I need to clean the windows.” You nod and smile a little, starting to fill out everything you needed to. 

In the corner of your eye you see a blue haired man walk up to Harrison, speaking to him in a low tone. You wondered if he was his boss or if he was just another trainer. Shaking your head, needing to focus on the paperwork. As you fill the last page, you feel a pair of eyes boring into the side of your head, making you look up. The blue haired man smiled warmly at you and walked off, letting Harrison finish up. You flip through the paperwork and made sure you filled out everything before going up to Harrison. “Here, I think I got everything.” He nods a you and quickly goes through it, putting everything the computer at a fast pace. You could tell he’d been working there for awhile at how fast he did everything. “You should get an email for an electronic version of the membership card...” he says as he hands you two cards, one for a key chain and the other just lie any other card. “Is there anything you want to sign up for now or do you just wanna work out?” Harrison asked, looking up from the computer. “Yeah I definitely need a trainer. It’s been a couple months since I’ve been to a gym, I need to get back on track.” You say, watching him look back at the computer. “Well we do have a spot open in 30 minuets for...Annea Willow.” He says, smiling up at you. “She’s real great, trust me. Or I could train you if you’d rather have someone you already know.” Harrison says, scrolling on the computer more. You contemplate it, Harrison who is a nosy neighbor but overall not unpleasant or a random person you don’t know. “Could we start with you first and when I get more comfortable I could switch.” Harrison smiles brightly as he nods, typing fast and looking back up at you. “How about you train with me for about 3 weeks then we transfer you to Annea?” Seeing you nod in agreement , he books all the sessions. “Perfect, we can start now if you’d like. Unless you want a mini tour before anything?”

After a tour, you put your things in your locker, humming softly as you tie your shoes. “You new here?” Turning your head you see the blue haired man again. “Yeah I am. You?” Seeing him shake his head you nod. He walks closer and ties your other shoe, wanting to help you be a little faster. “I’ve been here for two years. The people here are pretty chill.” He says and stands, looking down at you. Nodding you stand after picking up your water bottle, the man’s eyes widening slightly as he realizes how much taller you are. “I guess we will have to see. You and I are very different so I’m bound to have a different experience.” You say smiling a bit, looking at him throw your locs. “I’ll see you around?” You say and watch him nod, walking away to get to your training.

Groaning a bit, you stretch as you watch Harrison write things down. “You did good today. I think we should start working on endurance the next time we meet.” He says as he looks at your sweat form. He shifts a bit and clears his throat, looking away while catching your attention. “Which is tomorrow, same time?” You say, sipping from your water bottle. Seeing Harrison nod you smile. “Alright, I’ll see you then. I feel good, don’t feel overworked.” You say as you walk away, heading to the showers. You see the blue haired man running on the treadmill, his hair now in a half up, half down style. You had to admit he looked good like that. Taking off your clothes in the stall you shower, hearing others shower as well. The sighs coming from different stalls making you sigh as well. You were surprised how clean everything was, wondering if these men were any different from the men back at home. After showering and changing into fresh clothes, you stop by the front desk. “Harrison, say hi to Meadow for me, alright?” You say, handing him a piece of paper. “I never gave y’all my number so here. Just in case, y’know?” You smile as Harrison nods, putting your contact in his phone and sending you a text. You do as he did and wave slightly as you head out the door, tying up your locs in a loose bun. You hear someone walking up to you. “Good workout?” You hear the blue haired man say, smiling at you. “Oh hey, yeah it was. You?” He nods and pats the sweat off of his forehead with the back of his hand. “Yeah…I realize I never gave you my name. I’m Kai. Kai Anderson.” Kai’s smile widens when you tell him your with a soft chuckle. “Strong name, I like it. You gonna be here tomorrow?” He watches intently as you nod, saying that you had a session with Harrison at the same time. “He’s a good trainer, he’s mine as well. Today was just me running and I think I have training on Tuesday.” Kai says, you both standing in front of your car. “Well I don’t having thing that day so I’ll be like you, running on the treadmill. It’s getting late, we should head home. I’ll see you tomorrow? Tuesday?” You say, watching Kai’s facial expressions change from happiness to excitement. “Tomorrow, I’ll meet you here okay?” You nod and say your goodbyes, getting in your respective cars.

On the drive home you think about the people you met today. You were surprised at how much you enjoyed training with Harrison. Sure, he was hitting on you and of course it’s an ego boost but it was fun. As you kept thinking about how everything went, your mind would drift back to Kai. The way he smiled at you as if you were the prettiest person he’d ever seen. You wondered if Kai was just being nice when he would say certain things. Letting your mind drift in a sort of daydream, you begin to picture a friendship with everyone. Spending time together, having dinner, playing card games, getting high. You quickly shake out of those thoughts, disappointed in yourself. You just met them and you were already planning on doing things together with them. Were you that lonely? Maybe you were. You wished KJ was there to distract you from these sad thoughts but you knew she was busy with her new beau. Just as you park, you get a text from an unknown number.

hey i hope you don’t mind but i asked harrison for your number. its kai. 

Then another text.

i hope you got home safe :)

Author’s Note: i hope you guys enjoyed this! i wanted to take my time with this series because it’s important that i get it right. if you have any questions send them in!! also, when i say locs, i mean the hairstyle, not like...long hair. you get it i hope.

Special thanks to @prttyghost​ for requesting this!! Also special thanks to @lcnelyghost​ for letting me put her in this series!! 

Thank you for reading Chapter One of Baby Steps.

Taglist: @yes-divine-ruler​ @quicksilversg1rl​ @evanpetersfav​ @prttyghost​ @lcnelyghost​

If you’d like to be added to the taglist, send in a request!!!

[edith-moonshadow]

Incubus Billy

I watched a really bad horror film about a month ago where a girl conjured a succubus to deal with her cheating boyfriend and then the succubus didn’t want to leave and it made me think of this. So this is a little bit more like a concept than a story at the moment but it feels very spooky season (apologies for the cliff-hanger) 🎃🎃🎃

Bobby Drake thought he was hot shit. The kind of guy who could make any woman weak in the knees. He was a member of the football team which meant he was worshipped like a god at Hawkins high and he had always taken full advantage. He didn't hold any of the girls at Hawkins in high regard; they were merely little tokens for him to collect so he could impress his football buddies. 

Maggie Robinson wasn't the kind of girl who turned heads. She was president of the maths club, and in the band and she wore glasses that left deep indents on either side of her nose. She was smart and knew her worth but no one from the football team would ever be breaking down her door. At least until now.

Bobby was walking behind her calling her name with a pathetic whine in his voice and his eyes big and imploring. He would do anything to have a chance with her. She rolled her eyes and walked away. Bobby's football buddies called him but he was deaf to their pleading as he walked after her as though in a trance. 

Billy chuckled from his place beside Heather at her locker. She looked over at the scene unfolding.

"More of your handiwork?"

"He said the only thing women were good for was taking his dick and sandwich order."

"Sounds like Drake."

"He had too many admirers on the football team, they needed to see him in action."

"What about Maggie?"

"I think she'll eventually get a little revenge for some of the things he said about her in junior high then I'll make him fall for something he can't hurt, maybe a tree."

"A tree?"

Billy shrugged.

"Why not?"

Just then the most popular members of the basketball team walked down the hall. They were a tight-knit group all walking around their king like he needed to be protected from the unwashed masses. Steve Harrington looked completely at home surrounded by everyone else. 

He wore a soft pink polo shirt and light blue jeans that had no right to be that tight. His hair was big and floppy and Billy's fingers twitched with the need to slide into the roots and pull so he could lavish attention on that beautiful neck. He had dreamt of the moment he would get Steve alone. He'd be well-fed for a month.

Heather looked up as they passed and rolled her eyes. 

"Why does anyone even care about basketball?"

"Gotta love any sport that involves short shorts."

Heather slapped his arm.

"You would treat it like an all-you-can-eat buffet."

"Sometimes you want fast food."

"What about the track team? Or are you too lazy?"

Heather laughed and closed her locker. It was time for another boring history lesson. He didn't enjoy this part of being a human but at least Steve was in this class so he could watch him instead. He never would have imagined that answering a teenage girl's call would result in him still being here two months later but life could be funny like that. 

Heather had been having problems with her boyfriend, another asshole jock called Ryan Smith. He was tall with jet black hair and grey-blue eyes and the kind of smile that made girls swoon. 

Unfortunately for Heather, he was using those sweet charms on other girls convincing them that he and Heather were on a break at the time before telling them she wanted him back when things got too heated. Heather was well-liked at school and the others had felt guilty or easily moved on but not Betty Bennett. She was a fellow cheerleader and had known in her heart of hearts that Heather wasn't on a break but she'd always carried a small flame of desire for Ryan. She'd known it was wrong but what Heather didn't know couldn't hurt her. The same wasn't true for Betty.

Eventually, her guilt ate her up and she told Heather everything and hell hath no fury like a teenage girl. Finding demonic spells in a small town is easier than you think. Demons love to walk amongst the living and they'll avail themselves to you to get what they want. The hedonistic pleasures of the human world are too tempting and humans are so easy to manipulate. 

A deep desire, some herbs, a little blood and the right words and you could have a demon to do your bidding. Most demons only wanted a little taste of the human world and that was payment enough. Others might demand more. All Billy wanted was more time and he didn't need to return. To stay in the human realm he just needed a little energy. 

High school was a hotbed of human emotions. Billy loved the extremes. Jealousy. Anger. Lust. They tingled on his tongue bursting with flavour. Other emotions could be nice but he rarely craved nice. He could get his fix over time by just being around others but nothing was like plugging directly into the source. He kept himself well-fed by licking the lust from someone's skin while he opened their minds to carnal pleasure. Demons had a certain effect on humans. They could inspire the emotions they wanted and Billy loved desire. Everyone he'd indulged in had been like a sweet treat but Billy was hungry for more.

When he'd first arrived at Hawkins high to deal with Ryan he had set eyes on Steve Harrington for the first time. Billy had almost believed he was one of his own hiding out in the school until he got closer. Steve's eyes were golden when the sun shone on them. Billy had been mesmerised for a moment but he knew that Steve wasn't a demon. 

Being fallen Angels their eyes held what humans would perceive as a strange glow. It made their eyes more attractive but if you looked closely you could see that it was a light from within that could never be extinguished. Steve's eyes reflected the sun. To Billy just as beautiful but not the same. 

It had been difficult to stay focused on the task at hand when he could see Steve every day. He was captain of the basketball team, rich, popular, beautiful and a complete asshole. He had a little group of attack dogs and their girlfriends who surrounded him like his own private court. He was revered by the other students due to his attributes and the fact that his family own most of Hawkins. Anyone who got in Steve's way had to deal with his crowd and they were top of the food chain. Well not anymore but they didn't know that yet. 

He had dealt with Ryan. He saw him as a task he needed to complete so that he could remain. When he'd arrived it had been the middle of fall. The cold damp air felt good on his skin. The smell of burning fires, apples and spices was in the air. He wanted to experience everything the human world had to offer. 

Heather had been very explicit in what she wanted. For Ryan's heart to be broken. She wanted it to splinter into so many pieces that his confidence would never recover as her own heart beat painfully in her chest. Bewitching him was easy and with Heather's knowledge of the school population, it was easy to pick someone for him to love. Someone who would never love him back. At least not in the way he wanted. Heather chose Brandon Davis, his best friend. 

Brandon was very supportive of Ryan's previous behaviour even though he had been with his girlfriend for three years. A lifetime in high school years. Billy made Ryan reinterpret every interaction they'd ever had. He'd dream about Brandon's smile. Think about holding his hand. His jealousy towards Brandon's girlfriend would grow like a stinging nettle around his heart. He lost interest in everything that wasn't Brandon. Would try to encourage him to ditch everyone else for him. He felt awkward in his skin around him. Needed to see him. Be near him. 

Finally, with enough alcohol in his system to numb his nerves, he placed his lips firmly on Brandon's. His heart had stopped as that relief of everything being in the open had coursed through him. His mind played through the future it could see between them. A thrill twisted in his stomach as he pulled back with a smile. The shock and horror on Brandon's face. That twist felt like barbed wire as coldness enveloped him. Brandon nervously wiped his mouth and walked away. Ryan felt a sharp unbearable pain in his chest. It never went away. It only grew stronger as Brandon became colder. As he put more and more distance between them. 

Billy's job was done but now it was his time to have fun. Heather had been confused at first when he didn't disappear but she accepted him easily into her life. Billy became her pen pal from California who had suddenly moved here for his final year. Being a demon had its advantages as it was easy to convince others. He was attractive and mysterious. He never went hungry. 

Yet the one thing he wanted remaining out of reach. It would have been too easy to infiltrate Steve's little court and bend him to his will. His mouth watered just thinking about how good he'd taste but that was the problem. Demons could overindulge and Steve was the kind of temptation that Billy would consume until there was nothing left. His scent as he walked by was enough to make his teeth ache. He would bite down to the bone if he got too close. Billy absorbed the little snippets of energy and let his imagination do the rest. 

History was his favourite subject not because he cared about human history. He knew everything he needed to know. It was for Steve who sat in front of him and either sat with his eyes glazed over or decided to be the class clown to the teacher's frustration. Billy enjoyed both flavours as they were subtly different. 

On the days when he was quiet, he tasted sweet, content like warm freshly baked bread. On his clowning days, there was a slightly bitter lemony desperation that made Billy's hunger almost unbearable. He wanted that desperation to be directed towards him. For Steve to look up at him with his big beautiful eyes and beg for all the attention he needed.

Today Steve was in a half-hearted clown mood. He seemed to need a little attention but not as much as usual. Billy watched him carefully letting his imagination run wild. His nose twitched like someone had showered him in white pepper when he looked over and saw Heather. 

Her eyes were narrowed at Steve. An angry flush on her face. Steve sat back with that smug happy smile on his face as their teacher rolled her eyes and carried on. Billy was confused. She had never displayed any anger towards him before. She seemed to think of him as an affable idiot.

After class, he asked her. The flush on her cheeks deepened but she leaned in close to whisper.

"It's not him. Not really. It's her."

"Her?"

Heather motioned across the hall where Robin Buckley was putting away her history books in her locker.

"The way she looks at him."

Heather watched Robin and he could see that soft look in her eyes before they hardened.

"Billy? You're my friend right?"

He nodded.

"Would you destroy Steve Harrington for me?"

[the-hydra-sys]

Serpent Hill - Frequent Fronters

Most frequent fronters above the cut, less frequent ones below!

Echo - 🦊

Echo is our primary gatekeeper. They ageslide very frequently, but typically stay in the range of a middle. They use they/them and identify as nonbinary and aroace. They adore foxes, and the colour green. Sometimes, even just seeing a picture of a fox is enough to get them into co-front. They love chaos and pranks, and have a secondary role as a chaos holder. They hold a lot of our ADHD too. They also have a habit of befriending absolutely everyone they come across.

Crimson - ♦️

Crimson is Echo's symbiote & protector, and we classify the two as a subsystem. Crimson doesn't identify as a person, but doesn't really mind if you classify him as one. He rarely talks, and typically only interacts with people if Echo is in trouble. His pronouns are down as "he/him + any."

Void - 💜

Void is our primary protector. Xe's known for his loyalty to his family and xeir aggression to anyone who threatens it. Xe can be very cold at times, and typically refrains from interacting with people. He uses he/xe pronouns and identifies as gay (nwlnw). He likes purple and hoodies. You probably won't see many posts from him, but you may see posts about xem.

Lexi - ✨

Lexi is Void's sister, and a very cheerful & happy-go-lucky albeit mildly chaotic alter. She's known as the token lesbian of our system (despite not being the only lesbian) and she's pretty flirtatious. She uses she/xe but doesn't really care - as long as it's not masculine, she'll roll with it. She doesn't have a gender identity label, but she aligns with a feminine gender. Xe likes orangey-gold colours, guitars and sunsets.

Michael - 🧪 or 🥼

Michael J Davis is an immortal scientist, frozen at a physical age of around 28. His mental age is closer to roughly 80 billion, and he's travelled all around the universe in his source. He adores science, and loves tinkering with the science and magic of headspace, breaking laws of physics that wouldn't be possible in the real world and creating new (and usually a little deadly) machines. He's brothers with Clara and has a whole host of kids. He's associated with the colour blue, and he'll probably offhandedly mention the craziest source memories and/or the weirdest advice ever that you've never heard before.

Kaz - 🪼

Kaz is an idiot /pos with a tendency to get in trouble. He's 19ish, and very gay. He's a semihuman, and he likes cyan. Officially, he uses "he/she/they/xe/it/zyr/blyss," but unofficially he likes it when people get creative. When referred to by pronouns that aren't he, it can stop him in his tracks for a second because he's not used to it, but he really doesn't care about what pronouns people use all that much. He'll probably post about his boyfriend, so be warned. /lh. He's also siblings with Void, Lexi, Hayden Jr, and the rest of that family.

Angel Dust - 🌸

Heya toots, I'm Angel. Fictive of Angel Dust from Hazbin Hotel, we hyperfixated a lil too hard. I'm pretty source connected and I like sourcemates, but if you're a source connected V then I ain't talkin to ya, sorry. If ya ain't source connected it really depends.

Clara - 🩺

Clara is a lovely, albeit terrifying, lady. She's a doctor and spends most of her time in the medbay, healing people. She's an adoptive mother to Void and Lexi, as well as over 20 other kids. She's a caretaker but can quickly turn more ferocious than any protector if a child is being threatened. She has a strong eastern european accent (most likely derived from the body's parents) and takes on a motherly, caring role. She identifies with she/hyr pronouns and is somewhere on the aroace spectrum. She likes faded dark blue colours, and also happens to be Michael's non-biological little sister.

Nick - 🎗️

Nick is Michael's lab partner (..they're gay.) and he spends most of his time in the lab. He has amateur fire powers and is fireproof to an extent. Originally, he's a hero!Sapnap fictive from one of those vigilante AUs, but he's very source seperated. He uses most masculine and androgynous pronouns, and likes when people try out new neos for him. He likes the colour orange and he's around 30 years old.

Celskar - 🫧

Celskar uses any pronouns, and he likes neopronouns. He and Michael are queer. He likes shimmering colours, and his favourite is a shimmery purpley-silvery-blue. I'm not putting too much about him here as he's very source-connected and I don't want to put stuff about his source without consent.

Orion - 🪽

Orion uses he/xe/other pronouns, and is associated with pale orangey-yellow colours. He's a self-branded fuckboy, and flirts with almost every alter in our system above the age of like 20. He's a mortal turned immortal, and his physical age is somewhere in the mid 20s. While he can come off pretty strong, he does respect boundaries and will stop flirting with someone if they tell him to. He has desaturated blue hair and gold eyes.

Hayden Jr - 💠

Hayden Jr is the host of a subsystem and the younger brother of Void and Lexi. They're genderqueer and on the aroace spectrum. They like blues and greens, but when picking a colour they tend to lean towards light blues.

Fran - 🦌

Fran is an absolute sweetheart. They're genderfluid, and in their mid 30s. They have a sanctuary-like area and take care of all littles without parents. They often help Clara with her kids as she typically has her hands full at the medbay anyway. They like dark forest greens, and they're a semihuman alter. They have large antlers with flowers blooming from them and large fluffy ears. They are sometimes a satyr and sometimes have human legs, it fluctuates and they've been seen with both.

Sior - 🐺

Sior is our secondary gatekeeper and an absolute sweetheart. He uses he/they/xe. He's a teenager, and he has a heart made of gold. He's part wolf, part weird-bird-thing, and part human. He will not shut up about the wolf side. /lh. He rambles a lot and often gets sidetracked - probably due to his role as a holder of our ADHD. He has an innersys boyfriend, Zack, and the two spend a lot of time together. He's also the son of Celskar and Mateo, but you probably won't hear much about Mateo as he rarely fronts.

Zack - 🛡️

Zack is pretty much the polar opposite of Sior - quiet, focused, and pretty introverted. He loves art and values his alone time just as much as his time with people, though he often lets Sior intrude on both. He usually takes co when Sior's fronting to make sure he doesn't get himself into any trouble. He's the son of Harry D, and the two can often be found playing cards or chess in their common area's lounge.

Katris - 🪄

Katris is the most powerful magic user in our system. He's also 15. One of Michael's kids, Katris is adept at magic and can often do complicated spells that fix things others didn't even know could be fixed. Michael often allows him to help around the lab, and sometimes he can be found helping Clara in the medbay. Now and then, Michael and him can be found watching movies or training together. Katris uses he/they pronouns and is on the aroace spectrum.

Charlie - 🐏

Charlie is a "weird goat - fairy - thing." His pronouns are "he/him but funky," and everything else about him is pretty much just as odd. He improv-swears when stressed and tends to be on the anxious side. He's very gay for his boyfriend(?) and he gets hyper easily. He's on the younger side, around 16 or 17, and he's associated with dark maroon colours.

Lacey - 📋

Lacey is pretty serious, and tends to seem strict. She wears her hair up and has dark glasses as well as a black mask. She's often found hanging around Kaz and Charlie. She uses non-masculine pronouns.

Davina - 💎

Davina's genderfluid, but typically aligns with femme genders. When talking about her and not knowing which gender she currently is, she prefers people use she/they. She's twins with Devin, though he's technically older by a day since she was born just after midnight - a fact he always holds over her. She's very kind and caring in general.

Elliot / Dream - 🟢

Elliot is a fictive from the series Since I Saw Vienna (I'll put down my roots when I'm dead & sequels). He is not c!Dream, or cc!Dream, do not treat him as such. He's decently source connected and doesn't mind talking with sourcemates. He's brothers with our Aftershock fictive and friendly with our Vincent fictive (both from the same source). He fronts now and then but typically prefers to mask as other alters or leave himself down as blurry or anon.

Vincent - 🎶

Vincent is a fictive form the same source as Elliot. He's Aftershock's dad, and the two are very close. He uses he/him pronouns but doesn't mind if people use they for him. He's a protector and takes care of people who aren't able to take care of themselves. He's very dad-like and gets overprotective easily. He's in his 30s.

Vi - 🧤

Vi doesn't front much, but she's still around a lot, and people probably will mention her. She's a fictive from Arcane, and while she has a lot of source memories she isn't super connected to it. She's dating our Caitlyn fictive from the same source, and she helps Clara out around the medbay a lot. She uses she/xe pronouns, and is okay with sourcetalk, but asks you don't presume she's exactly like source - she isn't. She doesn't like talking to source-connected Silco introjects, but if they aren't source connected then she's completely fine with them.

Technoblade - 👑

Technoblade uses he/him pronouns. He doesn't front much, but he's very protective over his little sibling (Echo). He's a fictive from an antarctic empire fic, and is really close with a Phil from the same fic.

There are a lot more, but if any others start fronting more frequently I'll edit this and add them! - Echo

[charmercharm3r]

Plush

LFX

Masterlist

wc: 2.1k

Synopsis: These walls are too thin for someone like Felix.

Warnings: smut, perv!felix, porn with no plot lol, masturbation (m), plushie humping (?is that what you call it?), dirty talk (sorta), side y/n x seungmin lol

-

He always loved video games. His favorites were always fantastical, something that distracted him from reality. Felix enjoyed his moments of peace where he could disappear into a game and forget about all his troubles. With that, he just couldn’t say no when you invited him to the arcade.

You’d met him there, hardly covered by the little baby blue dress that he’d helped you pick out a couple weeks ago. The smile on his face would’ve stayed glued there all night, if not for your boyfriend coming into view not a second later. Your boyfriend, Seungmin, his best friend and roommate— who wasn’t mentioned would be tagging along when you invited Felix.

Group hang outs between friends was normal, it should’ve been because you and Felix were friends before Seungmin was ever in the picture. In fact, it was him that introduced you to your current boyfriend, and now it was still him that watched as Seungmin’s arm got to wrap around your waist and place kisses to your forehead. 

Truth be told, you sucked at video games. It was always something Felix enjoyed teasing you about because you used to beg to play with him, only to get killed early on and let him do all the heavy lifting. When you’d said you wanted to go to an arcade, he assumed it’d be just the two of you. Why, Felix was stupid to even think it’ll ever be just the two of you now. Not when Seungmin was just the perfect boyfriend.

The night had dragged on for Felix, suffering in silence as he had to bare witness to the lovey-doveyness of you and Seungmin, giving each other cheeky kisses, staring into each other’s eyes, or occasionally leaving minor smacks to your ass when neither of you thought anyone was looking. But Felix was. He always paid attention when it was you.

“C’mon, I wanna play the claw machines!” You excitedly tugged on both Felix and Seungmin’s arm in the direction of the rows of claw machines.

“But you have so many at home, babe,” Seungmin tried to plead, but his weightless words fell onto deaf ears as you giggled and leaned your head onto his shoulder.

If things were different, Felix would never tell you no.

It was only typical of you to run out of coins after failed attempt after failed attempt to win the cute pink bear holding a red heart in the glass machine. Like the gentleman he was— and your boyfriend wasn’t— Felix offered you his last remaining tokens. To your luck, you managed to snag the claw between the bear’s body and the arms holding the heart, dropping it into the slot to claim your prize. You jumped and cheered, and Felix couldn’t contain the smile that krept upon his lips again. Again, until you kissed Seungmin on the cheek. His grin faded.

Pulling the bear out of the machine, you turned to your friend and held it out to him. “For you!”

“But you won it,” Felix retorted, not fully grabbing the plushie you were shoving into his chest.

“Yeah, but it was your tokens. So technically, it’s yours. I just wanted the satisfaction of knowing I could win something in this stupid place.”

“Coming here was your idea,” Seungmin interjected before Felix could even think of a response. For once, he agreed with his roommate.

You only shrugged, taking Felix’s hand and forcing him to take the stuffed toy, “he’s yours. Take care of him for me.” 

Felix could never tell you no. Take care of him, he shall.

With no more coins to play, the three of you came back to the dorm. Seungmin immediately pulled you away into the privacy of his bedroom before you could fully take off your shoes. The echoes of your giggling sounded through the hallway as Felix sighed, closing the front door behind him.

Just his luck, there was only a wall separating him and you. And Seungmin.

Felix followed suit and made his way to his own bedroom, locking the door and tossing the pink plushie onto his bed next to the rest of his collection. He slumped into his gaming chair, attempting to ignore the laughter and mumbled words from the other room— the other room where you were, where Felix wished he was. Anywhere with you is where he’d rather be.

It hurt his heart to know he wasn’t the one making you laugh like you were now, that the reason you visited their dorm wasn’t for him, but for his best friend. It also hurt his dick that got hard at even the faintest hint of a moan coming from behind the wall. How easily he got stiff at even just the sound of the bed frame hitting the wall.

Like now, Felix could hear movement from behind the plaster barrier, bodies shuffling and perhaps clothes hitting the floor. The bed creaking was unmistakable, so was the change in tone when you spoke. Though the words weren’t clear, he could still make out how sultry you sounded, for it wasn’t the first time he’s heard it. Call this, Felix’s dirty little secret.

It was silent for a few moments, but in that time he’d grown to full mass, erection straining against his tight jeans. Then the bed creaked again and hit the wall once more. Deeper moans were muffled and Felix did his best to ignore those ones, ears searching for your voice. And when he heard it, sinful and sultry, did he find himself palming at his painfully hard cock.

Felix closed his eyes, letting his head fall back against his chair. A grunt pressed against his throat, wanting to escape as he pushed harder into himself. Another bang against the wall, it was getting difficult to tune out his best friend’s sounds of pleasure when all he wanted to do was hear the way you sounded when you took dick in your mouth. It was the obscene slurping that got to his head.

Because now Felix had given up, tossed his morals out the window along with his clothes and climbed onto the bed, reaching for the pink bear plushie.

It was soft to the touch, not cheap feeling and scratchy like the ones you win at a county fair. No, this was good quality fabric, soft and all the more special because it was from you.

How horrible he felt, Felix couldn’t even look at the stuffed toy as his ears twitched at the lewd sounds that leaked through the wall. Closing his eyes, he brought his palm to his mouth and spit, knowing it’d be pointless when he would follow through with the disgusting idea that flooded his horny brain. The slick on his cock as he slowly, tightly fisted himself was hardly enough.

Though now, the wet noises stopped. It was silent again. Felix assumed maybe that’s all that was to

come from tonight. How wrong he was.

In a matter of minutes— and painfully dry tugs to his pulsing cock— something on the other side of the wall thumped, what could’ve only been the bed frame. It almost made Felix jump out of his skin, except the thump happened again, louder.

He gripped the bear tighter in his free hand, thumb sliding between the arm and the body of the plush in contemplation. The muffled moan of your voice on the other side fueled Felix’s nasty, shameful thoughts.

Climbing to his knees in the center of the bed, Felix laid the plush with the heart in the air and separated it from the body gently. A heavy sigh, he covered the toy’s face and leaned onto it, tugging at his cock again as he leaned over the plush.

You were getting louder, if that was even possible. Or maybe you weren’t and it was just Felix and his dirty mind training to hear only you. Of course, there was the rhythmic slamming against the wall that faltered every now and then, and your moans would cease. But they’d start again and Felix swore he’d make sure you never got the chance to catch your breath.

“Fuck— harder!” was the first legible sentence Felix could decipher followed by the wall getting hit more consistently, and oh how it made his cock throb.

Muscles tense and head foggy with the sounds of your pleasure, he couldn’t stop himself from aligning the tip of his dick with the plush ring and pushing into it. He bit his lip so hard it could have drawn blood if all the blood in his body wasn’t currently running to his cock.

Felix allowed himself one whimper from the back of his throat, experimentally pulling his cock from the plush and plunging back in. But it wasn’t enough, too focused on keeping the bear’s face covered. He decided to flip the toy over and flatten it as much as he could against the bed with both hands, hoping it’d provided the friction he desperately desired. 

To his surprise, it did. And now, he was no longer embarrassed. Actually, he was enjoying himself more than he’d ever admit. Especially when you were becoming more demanding of what you wanted, where you wanted to be touched.

Eyes screwed shut, Felix heard you command, “fuck me like you mean it.”

His thrusts into the plush fell in sync with the bed slamming against the wall, whether he realized it or not. Jaw falling slack, he pretended it was him making you scream like that, it was him being the perfect service top and that he was balls deep in you instead of this stupid plushie. Felix tricked himself into believing the warmth he was feeling was your cunt, wet and tight and sucking him in deeper with every thrust. He truly thought you were speaking to him as he rutted impossibly faster into the fabric. That was, until he heard the most unbelievable thing yet.

“Harder, or I’ll go next door and fuck someone who I know will. I’ll let him screw me and have you listen through this fucking wall.”

No one else was home, you had to have been talking about him. Were they empty threats? Did you really think about fucking Felix the way he thought about you? It didn’t matter, he fucked into the toy like his life depended on it, sweaty and sticky and so desperate. His own bed began to creak as Felix fought to keep in time with the faster thumping of the wall and reach his high.

Your moans turned into screams of pleasure, incoherent slurs of words as what Felix could only imagine was you getting fucked like a dog, needy, nasty, unholy. He bit into his lip again, muscles starting to cramp as his hips rutted and stuttered to a stop into the toy. Another last pornographic moan of yours sounded through the wall and Felix came with a heavy, loud, pained sigh. His ears rang while spurts of his come stained the sheets of his bed and the pink plushie.

Defiled, defeated, disgusted.

Blush covered his chest and cheeks upon the post nut clarity, but Felix couldn’t bring himself to move, exhausted and sore. There was more shuffling behind the wall and Felix could only bow his head in shame. And before he realized how much time had passed, cock flaccid and come almost dry, a soft knocking at his door made him jump.

He scrambled to hide his mess and his embarrassment, throwing on the first pair of shirt and shorts he could find and folding his blanket in half to conceal the puddle of his momentary weakness. Felix took a deep breath and cracked the door open just enough to see you standing outside it. Your cheeks were bright pink, hair was still perfect but just messy enough to know something went down, and you were only covered in a button up shirt much too large, it could’ve only been Seungmin’s.

Seungmin. Your boyfriend. Felix’s best friend, his roommate. The man he wished he was because he had you. And you stood in front of Felix’s door with the most wicked of grins.

“Sorry for the noise,” you spoke all too normally for the events that just took place in this god forsaken house.

“N— no worries. Erm, just if you don’t mind putting a sock behind the frame next time… for, y’know…” Felix’s voice trailed off, scratching nervously at his neck and looked anywhere except your face, which seemed to be trained strictly on his.

You giggled that innocent giggle and tucked your hair behind your ear. “Sure thing.” The two of you stood in silence for a moment before you nodded, padding back towards your boyfriend’s room. But you stopped before stepping through, turning back to face Felix. “Unless you want to join next time.” The suggestion made his face turn red.

Felix could never tell you no. 

-

A/N: no words, not a thought in my head.

[suzy-queued]

Gallacrafts!!

For this month’s @gallacrafts, I got (Not) Boyfriends Era. 

When Ian was nine years old, he realized they never hung stockings in the Gallagher house.  He’d seen stockings on TV.  He’d seen them in stores.  But the only nod his family made to Christmas was a sad fake tree.

He broke his piggy bank and bought all the siblings stockings from the dollar store.  He made sure each one had at least one gift in it on Christmas morning.

Every year, the stockings became Ian’s thing.  He’d put a pack of cigarettes in Lip’s.  He’d put some eye shadow in Debbie’s.  He’d put a grocery store gift card in Fiona’s.

Every Christmas morning, his family smiled at the little extra gifts they received.

Every Christmas morning, Ian’s stocking was empty.

He didn’t care at first. He knew the stockings were his way of spreading extra cheer.  No one asked him to buy them, so why should anyone else be expected to participate? 

After a few years, it became a secret holiday tradition for him to feel his stocking on Christmas morning. Maybe this would be the year he’d finally receive something.  Maybe this would be the year at least one of his siblings would think to buy one little token and drop it in there.

He couldn’t say anything to them.  He couldn’t ask for their participation, because that would ruin the spirit.  But with each passing year, his sadness deepened. With each year, that massive bubble of hope he carried around was met with a dramatic pop.

By the time he and Mickey were sleeping together — but totally not dating — Ian had years of empty disappointment.  He slunk downstairs on Christmas morning expecting to see his stocking lying flat against the fireplace.

Except, it wasn’t.

His stocking had a bulge at the top, a misshapen gift with brown paper sticking out.

Ian looked around the room at his brothers and sisters opening presents and sipping hot chocolate. They’d already emptied their stockings. They’d already started to build a fire hazard of paper and crumpled bags in the middle of the living room.

Ian sat on the bottom stair and clutched the stocking to his chest.  It didn’t matter what was inside.  Maybe it was a rock from Carl.  Maybe it was a squished cupcake from Debbie.  All that mattered was that his tiny holiday wish had finally come true.

After his heart slowed and he ran his fingers across the fabric too many times, he reached inside.

The paper bundle he pulled out was tied with a string.  It said “Firecrotch” on the outside, which made Ian shake his head.  He knew exactly who it was from, and he strained to keep his emotions from bowling over. 

How the hell had Mickey pulled this off?  Maybe he crept in last night.  Maybe he slipped the gift to Lip and asked for his help.  Every day, Mickey found a way to surprise him. 

Ian untied the string with a shaky hand.  He smiled so wide, he thought he’d burst.

Inside the paper was a random assortment of stuff from Mickey’s house:  A lighter.  Brass knuckles.  A bullet.  A sample of the good weed he’d been promising to let Ian try.  A knife.

But there were other things, too.  A blue ticket from the carnival they’d snuck into back in the fall.  A plastic sword from when they’d eaten a sub sandwich together — and subsequently stabbed each other all afternoon with the little green blade.  A couple of band-aids because Mickey always told him he was the clumsiest motherfucker.  A little pen drawing Mickey had done of a skull with bleeding swords.  A set of earbuds because Mickey was sick of Ian always stealing his.

None of this stuff would mean anything to anyone else. 

But it meant everything to Ian.  

———————

[charlottepuddingsama]

Taste of Her Own Medicine

I wrote a zosan fic; come read it (Ao3 link in the reblog)

Description: Zoro is running late to a meeting with Sanji. When he finally gets there Sanji is swooning over the ex that crushed his heart while she peacocks and shows off her new boyfriend. People like that really pissed Zoro off.

Zoro checked his watch again. God damnit, he was late. Again. Which meant Sanji was going to kill him for it. Again. He couldn’t even pin this on Sanji this time, either, because Zoro was the one to suggest they meet at the fountain. To be fair, when he suggested it he’d been sure that he in-fact knew the way to the fountain. When he reached where it should have been, however, it inexplicably wasn’t there.

Now he’s rushing halfway across town to get to where it apparently actually is, if his phone’s map could be trusted (Zoro did not trust his phone’s map, sure that it was constantly sending him on the slowest, stupidest route possible. He was definitely always better off just going his own way). At least the exercise was warming him up, the sun yet to burn off the late spring morning’s chill.

He was only twenty minutes late, maybe Sanji would let him off easy for once? Zoro sighed inwardly, knowing that would never happen. It was going to be stupid to be yelled at about this, too, since they weren’t even doing anything where timing was all that important. They were just trying to find good birthday presents for Luffy. Zoro was kind of hopeless at presents while Sanji was always amazing at them, always picking out something thoughtful and custom-tailored to the recipient. Zoro most often showed up with an amazon gift card feeling completely stupid about it. Knowing this, Zoro had stealthily suggested they go hunting together so they didn’t, “buy him the same thing.” As if Zoro would ever give as good of a gift as Sanji would. He was actually surprised Sanji hadn’t seen right through him and refused, but the other had actually more-or-less readily accepted the idea. Zoro supposed there was a first time for everything.

The first time for Zoro to not make himself late, however, was not today.

After some wrong turns and two dead ends that might have actually been the same dead end twice, Zoro finally, finally saw the large fountain that marked the beginning of the city park come into view. He slowed his jog to a walk, glad he hadn’t yet broken a sweat. Couldn’t let Sanji think he actually cared about keeping their appointment. Not that it mattered what the cook thought, of course, but if he thought Zoro cared he might somehow get an even bigger head than he already had. Not that Zoro actually cared in the first place, too, of course. He hadn’t been looking forward to spending a whole day shopping with Sanji even a little. Not at all.

Zoro looked around the paved area, searching for Sanji amongst the small crowd mingling by the fountain. The day was still a bit crisp from the morning, but that didn’t seem to dissuade people as they gathered around the mouth of the park. Some were alone, some in groups, and others towed animals on leashes either walking the pets or clearly getting walked by them. Zoro surveyed the whole crowd, looking for Sanji standing off by himself, probably bent agitatedly over his phone with a cigarette in his mouth. None of the loners in the area fit his description though.

Had Zoro somehow actually made it here first after all? That didn’t seem even a little bit likely. He kept looking.

Finally, after a long moment of searching, he managed to spot him. A familiar head of blonde hair, a neat dress shirt, and long legs stood by the side of the fountain striking an impossible-to-mistake silhouette.

He wasn’t alone, though.

In front Sanji was an unfamiliar couple: some brunette girl holding the hand of an average looking boy. Was Sanji hitting on a stranger while her boyfriend was literally right there? Really?

Zoro’s face morphed into an unimpressed look. How classic. He really had no idea what he was expecting, offering to take Sanji around in public where he might run into females in the wild. A strong feeling of annoyance grew in his chest at just imagining the stupid drivel that must be spewing out of that mouth of his.

Zoro began to march over there with intentions to drag Sanji away by the ear when he suddenly stopped himself in his own tracks. His brows furrowed, studying the way Sanji was standing. His entire posture was eerily off. One hand was in his pocket while the other held a lit cigarette. His shoulders were tight and a little high, legs slightly farther apart than normal as if on defense. There was absolutely none of the easy oozing he exuded whenever he normally was chatting up some girl. He wasn’t swooning even a little.

Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong.

A thrum of worry pulsed through Zoro. It wasn’t that he was worried about Sanji – he could take care of himself, plus, Zoro reminded himself, he didn’t give a fuck about him (how does he keep forgetting that?). Rather, he was worried about what kind of threat these two people could possibly pose to get someone as cool-headed as Sanji so visibly tense.

Looking at the two, he knew he couldn’t place the boy, but the brunette… did he know her? Her face was rather indistinct, no particular piece of it sticking out to him. Her clothes looked well-pressed, and they were probably fashionable, not that Zoro had any real frame of reference for that. Her brown hair was half tied up in two little buns on her head, the rest left to fall down past her shoulders. She just seemed like a completely random, normal person; an auto-generation of any other girl about their age in the city.

Then the girl laughed at something. The sound was shrill and obnoxious in a way that grated on every nerve Zoro had. He wanted to absolutely break something.

Oh. Oh. Ohhhh. Zoro knew exactlywho this girl was. He scowled at the memory.

She was some chick Sanji had dated for a while, maybe a couple months? A name itched at the tip of his tongue, but he couldn’t quite grasp it. Two months was considerably longer than most of Sanji’s little trysts. He had even brought her around to meet everyone once; it was kind of a big deal since they’re friends are not only their family, but also extremely likely to scare any normal person away. Sanji had really, really actually liked this girl, Zoro was pretty sure.

And then she dumped him.

She’d reportedly done it unceremoniously one night, completely out of the blue. She simply told Sanji that she was, “done with this relationship now,” and left. Zoro had heard that line a hundred times over in the weeks following as Sanji wallowed pitifully, hit hard by the sudden cold shoulder. It had not been a pretty sight in the slightest. The ever-enamored cook had eventually bounced back, like he always did, but it really had taken longer than usual. Even Zoro had felt sorry for the guy at the time.

And now here she was. A completely random encounter in a city filled with a thousand other people that could be here instead. And she had the nerve to do, what? Strike up a casual conversation with someone she herself had so soundly dumped, some new boy in her tow? Inching closer, Zoro just barely started to be able to hear them. It was clear even just from her tone that the words exchanged were more than awkward hellos. The girl was gushing about her boyfriend the businessman, annunciating the words as if she wanted the whole park to turn and listen. She played with some expensive looking necklace in a way that was definitely supposed to be noticed, certainly some token from her little purse-mule of a boy.

That kind of thing really pissed Zoro off. Dump someone for no reason? Fine, whatever. But then go shoving yourself at him? In public and at random? She had to know how Sanji was physically incapable of being anything but overly polite to women, abusing that to get her kicks. Zoro grit his teeth as he watched Sanji gush at her that she looked as beautiful as always, that he simply adored how her hair grew out since he’d last seen her, that he was so happy she was so well taken care of. Underneath the gushing Zoro could practically feel how upset this whole encounter made Sanji, a self-pitying tone sewn into each sentence. It was like he was a slave to his own actions. The girl clearly let her ego be boosted by his attention and that made Zoro even angrier.

Zoro eyed the boy she had tugged along. He may have been some business guy or whatever, but he certainly didn’t look very impressive. His haircut was basic, his jacket was a bit too big and made him look like he was playing dress up, and his expression seemed far away as if zoned out. Zoro had him beat in muscle and looks easily. Zoro’s shirt was tight against his well-built chest, his jeans were slung low to show just a peak of his boxers, he’d have a healthy little glow from his jogging, and he raked a hand through his hair to give it a little volume. He was fully aware of exactly how good he looked in comparison and just pissed off enough to decide he might as well use it.

He wanted to see if little miss ex could handle a taste of her own medicine.

“Oi, Sanji,” he called, finally making his way to the trio. Sanji’s shoulders jumped to his ears. Zoro thought he looked like an animal frozen in crosshairs, waiting for its instincts to lead it to fight or flee. He turned slowly to look at Zoro, his face in a very un-handsome expression of combined panic and agitation.

Zoro fought his instinct to give just as nasty an expression back knowing he was now being watched by the brunette; his little show had now officially begun. Instead, he gave Sanji an easy smile as he sauntered over to him, eyes only on him, pretending to not even notice the couple right in front of them. This, of course, only lead to Sanji scrunching up his face in incredulous confusion. If this idea was going to work Zoro was going to have to wipe that look right off him.

When he was beside him, Zoro slung an arm around Sanji’s shoulder, letting himself drape over the other. Sanji was only one centimeter shorter than him and just as strong, so it always surprised Zoro just a bit how slight his naturally thin frame felt in his arms. A small, stupid rush of protectiveness briefly filled his chest and for once Zoro indulged it letting himself draw Sanji close to him. Sanji went stiff as a board and his eyes blew open in surprise. Zoro took advantage of his surprise, not letting him even think about getting a kick in as he reached out with his other hand to grab hold of Sanji’s stubbled chin.

He drew the other in for a quick, soft kiss.

The sharp scent of tobacco filled Zoro’s senses, but underneath it lied the familiar aroma of spices that followed Sanji everywhere he went. The scent was familiar, but the feel of Sanji’s lips against his was new. For all the times he’d bitten a mark into Sanji’s pale flesh, nipping along skin usually hidden later by shirts, Zoro couldn’t actually remember them kissing. If they ever had, they certainly would never do it as gently as this. He counted to ten in his head, wanting the kiss to look real while still public-appropriate.

Zoro was perfectly prepared for Sanji to remain like cardboard, perfectly fine carrying the kiss by himself. Suddenly, though, as if some sort of switch had gone off, Sanji softened, easing into Zoro’s hold like butter into warm bread.

All at once Sanji’s plush lips gently pressed back, allowing his weight to fall where Zoro’s arms had guided it. The count in Zoro’s head faltered for a second, mind going dumb from shock. Zoro had kissed plenty of people before, was a damn good kisser himself, but somehow nothing had ever felt like this. There was something in the way Sanji relaxed into him, how perfectly their lips slotted together, and the sensory of the strong scents and rough stubble and pillowy softness of lips. It all made even such a simple kiss simply intoxicating. Had they really never done this before? Why the hell not?

At ten (or was it eleven? Twelve?) Zoro drew his head back, ending their kiss with the soft sound of lips parting. He didn’t go far, though, hand still on the other’s chin, their breath mixing in the space between them. He opened his eyes, not knowing when he’d closed them, to find Sanji staring at him with a dazed expression and a gentle, pink blush spread across his cheeks. Zoro couldn’t help but smile, a strange feeling like fondness welling up in his chest. It was probably just hormones, like always, reminding him of the other times he’d made the typically put-together Sanji blush in more heated circumstances. Yeah, that was it, had to be.

“Thanks for waiting,” Zoro said, for once owning up to being late. Sanji blinked owlishly at him, as if trying to place where they were and what they were supposed to be doing. At that cute look something compelled Zoro and he made no move to stop it, giving a sweet kiss to the bit of forehead poking out from blonde bangs as if in apology.

“Ahem?” an impatient voice said, jarring Zoro back into reality. When had he left? It was like he’d had complete tunnel vision. Now, though, the situation around him came back into sharp focus. The mild chill of the spring air, the bubbling fountain behind him, the obnoxious couple in front of him, the reason why he did what he just did. Yes, right, he’d had a reason for doing that. One, singular, solitary reason and absolutely no other. A mission, even. Right.

Zoro dropped Sanji’s chin, ignoring the tingle in his hand and the definitely non-existent desire to hold him elsewhere. He instead hooked his thumb in one of his belt loops and assumed a pose hanging off of Sanji who was now tucked rather snugly into his side. The girl had her arms crossed and looked huffy. He raised an eyebrow at the two, acting as if they’d been the ones to interrupt him. “Sorry, didn’t see you there,” Zoro said casually, just knowing an egotistical bitch like her would be bothered by that. Sure enough, the girl’s eye twitched just a bit. Zoro held back a smug smile at getting a reaction so easily. “And you would be?”

Indignation flashed in the girl’s eyes. Had Zoro asked that rudely? Oh, pardon him. She stood herself up to look taller, as if looking down on him despite being a few inches shorter. Zoro refused to be phased.

“I’m Alice,” the girl introduced herself, not bothering to introduce the boy with her. It was probably for the best as the boy’s eyes had followed Zoro’s thumb down to where it rested, clearly distracted.

“I’m sure Sanji has told you all about me,” she added with fake sweetness, an almost sadistic smile crawling up her face. Alice, right. Alice was definitely the name Sanji wailed into his empty wine glass when Zoro and the others had tried to take him out on a boys’ night to cheer him up. He actually used to kind of like that name, but now it was forever tainted with the memory of this haughty cunt in front of him.

Instead of admitting to the recollection, though, Zoro looked at her blankly. “Alice…” he said, as if mulling the name over. As if he needed to search long and hard to find any semblance of someone in Sanji’s past named Alice. “Hm,” he said at length, “no… I don’t really remember having heard about someone by that name. Have you ever mentioned an Alice, babe?”

Despite addressing him, Zoro didn’t dare look at Sanji’s face. Even just the hint of doubt or disbelief or anger from Sanji might be enough to shake Zoro off his game and have this all come crashing down more humiliating than when they’d started.

He looked at Alice, instead, who looked at him like he’d grown a second head. The very concept that Sanji might not have cried his heart out about her every day since their parting was clearly a new one. It made Zoro so happy to have so suddenly shut her down with just a few words.

“Hold on! W-we’ve met before!” Alice protested, apparently recognizing him now. Zoro noted that she didn’t wait for Sanji to confirm or deny if he’d ever deigned to mention her once their relationship had ended. Zoro wondered if she was scared to know. Hearing something like that from the man himself might just shake her precious little ego. Zoro would love to see that happen.

“Oh, we have?” Zoro asked mildly, showing a clear disinterest in whether they had or not. He pretended to mull the concept over in his head just as he had her name. He certainly remembered the party Sanji had brought her to. He remembered that it had sucked because her laugh was too annoying to ignore even from across the room and cross-eyed drunk. Finally, he shrugged simply, clearly not caring one way or another. “Guess it just wasn’t very memorable.”

At that Alice looked absolutely stricken, an arrow piercing directly into her pride. Bullseye, Zoro thought to himself, narrowly remembering to keep his face schooled. He so badly wanted to give her the same wolfish grin he reserved for his enemies at tournaments, but his own internal satisfaction would have to suffice.

In his peripheral, Zoro saw Sanji take a long drag off his cigarette. Hopefully that meant he was willing to quietly play along. Possibly it meant he thought Zoro had genuinely forgotten about her and that he was about to get pummeled into a paste in about five seconds.

“S-So then, you two? You’re together then?” Alice asked, clearly affronted and looking for something to refill her sails. Zoro wondered if she was beginning to consider him her replacement. He wondered how he measured up.

Suddenly, though, she seemed then to get herself a second wind, puffing herself up in her coat. Zoro refrained from frowning, if just barely. And here he’d been winning.

“It’s so adorable to see new couples, isn’t it Darek, sweetie?” she said sweetly, grabbing on to her boy’s sleeve. The boy in question nodded absentmindedly, eyes locked on where Zoro was oh-so-incidentally toying at the waistband of his boxers with his thumb. A charming one, wasn’t he? “We’ve been together for four months now. It’s just so hard to find the one you’re truly meant to be with, but so rewarding to know they’re all yours. How long has your cute little thing been going on for?”

So she was considering him to be her replacement. Moreover, it seemed clear that if that were the case, he’d be the winner. This was her alternative hypothesis, the situation that would set the world just a little bit more right than it was right then. If their relationship was new she could brush it all off as certain to be doomed in a week or two, as so many new relationship were. Well, he’d better set her little worries to rest, now shouldn’t he?

“This little love bug,” Zoro said, pressing a sweet kiss to Sanji’s cheek, forcibly holding the other’s shoulder’s down when they jumped, “Has been all mine since August.” Would he most likely be paying for “love bug” with his very life later? Yes, yes he would. But it was so, so very worth it to see Alice’s face as she did the math. Zoro distinctly recalled The Wailing Remembrance of Alice having begun in that hot and muggy summer month. Logically, then, that made Zoro one hell of a rebound, and one that stuck quite nicely, too.

Alice was clearly taken aback, her refilled sails deflating again catastrophically. The cutesie pda, Zoro’s complete disinterest in with her, and the dawning evidence that maybe Sanji hadn’t been so hopelessly lost without her was doing exactly the job Zoro had hoped it would.

“B-but I thought you two hated each other!” She cried, looking between the two and sounding a bit desperate, “That you couldn’t stand in the same room without arguing!”

She, of course, had seen firsthand at the party the animosity between the two. She also had probably had to sit through at least a couple sessions of Sanji bitching about whatever thing Zoro had done to purposefully annoy him. Well, Zoro figured, you know what they say: when in doubt, gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss.

“Oh?” Zoro said, cocking his head to the side, “Why do you say that?” He said it as if she was insane, as if she hadn’t seen their fights herself, as if they weren’t literally known for their arguments with each other. He said it like it was completely and entirely natural for them to be like this now. It helped that Sanji hadn’t moved an inch, hadn’t given a single physical sign that this wasn’t exactly what they usually did. He made it seem like he was perfectly comfortable being held close to Zoro’s chest. That it was where he belonged.

They had even, in fact, gone a whole five minutes without arguing.

Alice’s mouth opened and closed for a minute, her mind clearly trying to calculate and recalculate this encounter, but the numbers just didn’t seem to be adding up in her favor. Zoro almost pitied her, except that she had very much started it and brought all this upon herself.

Finally, she looked to her boy as if for some sort of support. All she found was that his attention was firmly on Zoro’s chest, eating up the eye candy readily. He even went as far as to lick his lips.

“Darek!” Alice scolded under her breath, scandalized, slapping his chest for attention.

“Ow!” Darek said, shocked out of whatever daydream he’d been having.

Zoro finally let himself give a toothy smile. He considered his damage officially done. Alice had clearly been knocked down a peg or two, and her little walking-wallet of a boyfriend had been reduced from oh-so successful businessman to just another ogler looking for the next pretty thing. This was a resounding victory.

Now for a victorious escape out of this situation as fast as possible.

“Come on, babe,” Zoro said, turning his head to nuzzle into Sanji’s hair. How did he always forget just how soft those golden strands were? “I’ve made you wait long enough. I owe you a date.”

Zoro smiled into the last sentence, making it sound like their “date” was the only thing on his mind. Like he’d been thinking all week long about getting to see the other, the thought being his lone reason to keep going day after day. Which couldn’t be farther from the truth, obviously. There had been absolutely zero percent of him that had put any emphasis on this little outing even once this past week. He hadn’t done laundry for the express purpose of having something he liked to wear, he hadn’t trimmed up his sideburns and played with different hair products all week, and he definitely was not currently wearing cologne. The smile was simply an affectation of the truth, just for the sake of the ruse. That’s it.

Before anyone had time to say anything more, Zoro gently ushered Sanji to turn away from the other couple. To his relief, Sanji went willingly.

“W-wha-hey! Wait a minute!” Alice blustered, stomping a foot.

“It was nice meeting you,” Zoro said, not even looking back at her, just waving his free hand slightly.

“I told you, we already met!” she fumed, but Zoro paid it absolutely no mind. He grinned like an absolute shark, amazed he was getting away with this.

“Wait!” She yelled again.

Then, she played dirty.

“Sanji,” she said, a whimper in her voice.

Sanji stopped dead in his tracks. Zoro did too, not wanting to have to actually drag the other. He closed his eyes and cursed in his head. They had been so close.

Sanji took a long drag off his cigarette. As he sucked in, the moment seemed to stretch out, becoming longer than it was before. Finally, he blew a long exhale, smoke leaving his mouth fluidly. He tapped the ash off the end of his cigarette, dropped it to the pavement, and ground it out with his toe.

Zoro didn’t look at his face. He didn’t want to see even an ounce of hurt from such a stupid, shallow, nobody of a girl. It was so ridiculous for someone like that to make someone like Sanji feel anything at all, let alone pain. It made bile rise in Zoro’s throat and blood rush in his ears, but he kept his cool. He’d tried his rescue strategy. This was now nothing but Sanji’s fight.

Sanji turned his head over their shoulders. Zoro expected whimpering or pitiful noises, or maybe simply his standard gushing. Assurances that Alice still lived in his heart, that she always would. He’d tell her that she was the most beautiful girl in the world, that nobody could compare, that he would never want anyone else more than he wanted her. Zoro felt an unusual nausea in his gut.

“It was good to see you, Alice!” Sanji called brightly, his tone clear of any whining or gooeyness, much to Zoro’s surprise. No hurt? No presentation of wounds? No flattery? No begging?

“I’m glad you’re doing well.” Zoro was nearly in shock; Sanji sounded completely genuine. Did he… get over her? Just now? In this moment?

He hazarded a look at Sanji’s face and found a brilliantly beaming smile that reached his clear blue eyes. It was a smile that could put a thousand suns to shame, a smile that could launch a thousand ships, a smile worth the world over in gold and then some. Somehow, Sanji was really, truly happy.

Something inside Zoro absolutely melted and something else bloomed warm in his chest.

Before Zoro could even start to think about processing that, Sanji turned to him, and he was simply lost. For a brief second that stretched into minutes, days, years even, nothing else existed but him and Sanji and Sanji’s blue eyes shining back at him. He wanted nothing more than to kiss the beautiful man in front of him.

Then Sanji spoke, and Zoro forced himself out of that moment. Back to reality. Again, when had he left? He couldn’t recall.

“Come on, then, dearest,” Sanji jeered, his eyes now gleaming mischievously and smile saccharine sweet as he prodded. Zoro cognitively knew that he was always annoyed by that expression yet couldn’t seem to summon up the actual feeling of being annoyed. “I believe you promised me shopping?” Zoro felt a hand slip into the far back pocket of his jeans.

Now they really did look like a disgustingly lovey-dovey honeymoon-stage couple out for a date. Sanji gave his ass a teasing squeeze, snickering as Zoro felt his whole face grow red hot. Who had initiated the touching again? It couldn’t possibly have been him. This was far too intimate for him to have started, surely.

Zoro gulped heavily and remembered that he had a part to play here. He once again ushered them forward down the street. The last thing he heard from the girl – her name already returning to a blank spot in Zoro’s mind – was her yelling at her boyfriend to get his jaw off the ground and stop drooling already.

Zoro let Sanji lead them down a couple blocks, dazed and distracted. During the whole encounter he’d kept himself perfectly calm, but now that it was over his heart was beating hard in his chest. He replayed the whole scene in his head, impossibly surprised that it actually worked. How in the hell had it actually worked? How had they passed so easily for an actual couple?

Zoro was still wondering at how miraculous their success was when Sanji broke his concentration.

“Hey, Zoro,” Sanji said, casually as can be, leading them down some sort of alley between buildings.

“Yeah?” Zoro grunted, freshly shaken from his thoughts.

“Could you do me a favor?”

“What do you want, shit cook?”

“Well, would you mind ever so terribly-“ Suddenly, a foot came flying at his face and Zoro was too startled to block it in time, “-GETTING YOUR BIG, DUMB GORILLA HANDS OFF OF ME!”

Zoro went flying into the wall of the alley, back hitting with a sharp snap of pain. He was fine, though, nothing he couldn’t brush off.

“What the hell was that for?” Zoro scowled. He peaked at the wall behind him; the brick was only cracked a little, just barely resembling the outline of a person. Nothing identifying, so it was fine.

“Don’t fucking touch me,” Sanji sneered, adjusting the collar of his button-up and dusting off his pants as if the mere presence of Zoro in his bubble was sullying.

“Heh, I can think of a few times you’ve liked me touching you just fine,” Zoro retorted, wiggling his brows suggestively.

“You’re such a pervert,” Sanji said with disgust.

“You’re one to talk, love cook, swooning after a girl with her boyfriend literally right next to her.” Zoro swiped his thumb under his nose, checking for blood and finding none. Nothing seemed broken, that was good.

“Hey!” Sanji protested, looking angry. Had Zoro gone to far with bringing it up already? He knew the situation wasn’t exactly typical. Still, the whole thing still kind of pissed him off, so why shouldn’t he talk about it? “I didn’t ask for your help back there!”

“Oh?” Zoro asked, a smirk coming to his face, “So you admit that what I did was helpful?”

Sanji’s face grew red, frustration and agitation clear. “Oh, go die in a hole, you moron.”

“Whatever,” Zoro shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets, and leaning against the cracked brick coolly, “I was just pissed off, that’s all.”

“You?” Sanji asked condescendingly, “What the hell did you have to be pissed off about?”

“Don’t like that girl, is all,” Zoro answered plainly, closing his eyes as he relaxed, his heart rate finally dropping back to normal after all the excitement. The physical distance from Sanji and the sting of pain had broken his strange headspace. He was feeling like his usual self again, now. No weird, overly emotional thoughts swirling around. “Didn’t like her when you talked about her, didn’t like her when you brought her around, and I didn’t like her when I saw her just now, either.”

Zoro could feel Sanji study him for a moment, as if trying to decide if he bought that. “And what exactly has she done to you to make you hate her so much?”

Zoro huffed, rather done with the interrogation despite it hardly having begun. “I just can’t stand her attitude, that’s all. She’s so holier-than-thou, and then goes around parading herself like she’s the best thing since sliced bread.” The nerve of that girl, honestly. Zoro worked up a little mucus in his mouth and spit at the ground. “She thinks she can just waltz around hurting people to make herself feel better. Pisses me off.”

“Hey, you can’t say that about a beautiful lady!”

“Oh, piss off,” Zoro said, rolling his eyes, “First of all as far as I could tell she wasn’t even that good looking, average at best.” He will fully admit to his radar being finely attuned to men only, though, so maybe he’s wrong, but she really didn’t seem like anything special to him. “And secondly you never would have taken that kind of crap from a guy. You would have kicked him to the moon and back the second he tried that shit. But with her, and every other woman ever, you let her walk all over you. Not exactly a good idea when the girl’s a grade-A bitch.”

They stood there in that alley for a long moment, Sanji just watching Zoro and Zoro just watching him back. They both knew he was right.

“Tch,” Sanji spat at length, “I was raised a ladies’ man, and that’s just how it is.” Zoro knew that, too. This wouldn’t change anything. He doesn’t know how it happened, but somehow that behavior just got hard coded into Sanji. It was fine except that it was annoying and opened him up so easily to those who would misuse his kindness. There weren’t many of Sanji’s exes that Zoro didn’t outright hate, now that he thought about it, and certainly none that he properly liked. Maybe that was why.

“And anyway,” Sanji cut in, breaking Zoro’s wandering thoughts, “Why the hell do you care how I’m treated anyway?”

What? Did he say that? No way he’d said that. “I don’t!” He didn’t! Zoro felt his face grow hot, which didn’t make any sense. This was stupid. “I-It’s just the principal of the matter, is all!”

“Oh really?” Sanji asked, clearly unconvinced.

“Shut the hell up, bastard,” Zoro snapped, now really well and truly done with this whole affair. He took a breath, cooling himself down. Sanji always got him so worked up it was stupid. “Whatever, believe whatever the hell you want, I already told you the truth. She was a cunt and that’s all there is to it.”

The words clearly ticked Sanji off, but that was good, got him distracted from whatever bullshit he was spewing about Zoro caring about him or something. Idiot.

“You know, you could really do with learning some good manners towards ladies.” Sanji scowled.

“Yeah, yeah,” Zoro said, waving off the idea for the billionth time. “Last time I treated a girl any differently she caved my head in with a stick. Won’t be making that mistake twice.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sanji asked, making a dumb face as if Zoro had said some sort of convoluted metaphor.

“Forget about it,” Zoro dismissed, having not intended to bring Kuina into this. He shoved off the wall and decided it was time to get out of this alley and back to what they came here for.

“Whatever,” Sanji said, rolling his eyes, apparently too done with Zoro to bother to pry.

Zoro walked until he was passing Sanji by, heading toward the mouth of the alley. Sanji stood silently, looking like he was thinking about something.

Just as he passed, Sanji said something quietly, “She really was a bit mean, wasn’t she?”

Zoro stopped there, just in front of the other. He didn’t get it. He didn’t know why Sanji was like this. Why was it so impossibly hard for him to admit when a woman was bad to him? So inconceivable to fight back? It made Zoro so impossibly upset sometimes. But here he was with this one little admittance. This one time this one woman was a bit mean to him. Zoro shouldn’t shoot this down. He couldn’t bring himself to if he wanted.

“Yeah,” Zoro huffed, a bit of a smile playing on his lips with the magnitude of the understatement. “And stupid too,” he added.

“Stupid?” Sanji asked, hackles raised all over again, “What the hell do you mean by that?”

“Sheesh, isn’t it obvious?” Zoro asked, huffing a short laugh through his nose, “First she dates you, which already brands her as an idiot –“

“Hey!”

“- And then she brings around that chump as if he’s supposed to somehow make you jealous. Seriously, as if he’d ever hold a candle to you.” What a joke.

Sanji didn’t say anything to that, and Zoro looked back curiously.

Sanji was just staring at him, eyes a little wide and face dusted pink. “Hah?” Zoro questioned, one eyebrow quirked. “What, did I say something wrong?”

Sanji looked at him for a moment longer, the silence stretching between them yet carrying surprisingly little tension. Finally, Sanji seemed to shake himself out of it. “It’s nothing, moss-for-brains. And get out of my way,” he said, shoving Zoro by the face.

“Hey! Cut it out!” Zoro yelled, shoving Sanji’s hand off his face.

“Ah, deal with it, grass-head,” Sanji said, pulling out a cigarette and his lighter, “Let’s find whatever the hell kind of present Luffy would want already.”

Zoro grumbled but followed along, ready to get this errand over with and the weird events of ten minutes ago behind him. This event would be receiving absolutely no post-facto analysis. There wasn’t a single thought, feeling, or action that needed a second look at or processing time to rectify with his current world view, and he was eager to put it all out of his head.

“And hey,” Sanji said. Zoro sighed inward, sure this was going to be something weird about the thing that just happened, “Thanks.”

Yup. Weird. Weird, weird, weird. It was so weird for Sanji to thank him, he almost hated it. He did hate it. He absolutely definitely hated it. That must be what the rosy feeling in his chest was: hate for how weird it was.

“Yeah, well, you know,” Zoro said, shrugging the whole ordeal off as they did with almost everything that’s happened between them, “Don’t mention it.”

This, as so much else, would be their little secret.

A comfortable silence rested between them as they each took a moment to breathe.

“By the way, are you wearing cologne?”

“IN YOUR DREAMS!”

[edupunkn00b]

Punks, Poets, Parents

Ch. 1 Attitude - Next - Master Post - [ A03 ]

Rated M - WC: 2172 - CW: Swearing, alcohol Written for the Thomas Sanders Big Bang creative event and will feature some awesome art by @vianadraws (here) and @briandthemoon (here). Beta read by @naminethewriter, @treeni, and @typically-untypical

Don’t care what you may say We got that attitude! Don’t care what you may do We got that attitude! - Attitude, Bad Brains

Fic playlist on Spotify ---

Thursday, October 6, 1983 - New York City

Remus was half-way down the cement steps when he heard the whine of the subway and felt the rush of hot air that signaled a train was starting to pull into the station. Judging by the direction of the sound, it was on his side of the platform. He ran the rest of the way down, tightening the strap on the bass case on his back and fishing in his pocket for a subway token. He sprinted to the turnstile, dropping in the token and pushing through the big yellow barrier just as the train doors opened.

Happily relying on the ignorance of strangers, he smiled. People only saw a tall man in spiked leather and bright green hair and hurried to get out of his way as he ran for the closest open door. They never considered he was just another hamster in the wheel, trying to get somewhere on time. His heel had just cleared the doors when they closed with a thunk and the train began to move. Grinning wildly, Remus grabbed a pole just in time to avoid being thrown in the lap of the closest passenger as the train jolted to a start.

---

Logan stepped out of his tiny bedroom into the equally tiny living room. Patton dropped his feet off the edge of the coffee table a half-second after he entered the room. Logan raised an eyebrow at his little brother, who flashed his trademarked ‘I’m too cute to hate’ grin. He shook his head but was unable to completely suppress his smile. Quickly he scooted past the television, heading to the kitchen for one last sip of coffee before leaving for this evening’s performance.

Patton peeled his eyes from Schneider’s antics on the television, finally registering Logan’s concert attire. "Ooohh… I really like that shade of blue! It brings out your eyes!"

Bowing his head slightly in thanks, Logan tilted his head at Patton, pocketing his keys and wallet. "Are you quite certain you do not wish to join me tonight? I expect this performance to be quite compelling. I am confident we can purchase another ticket at the door."

"Nah, you have fun! I’m making an early home visit tomorrow and I'm feeling like an old drum…" Patton grinned and danced his shoulders back and forth, waiting for the groan his pun was certain to earn.

Instead, all he got was an indulgent smile and a sigh. "Would that be because you are figuratively 'beat?’"

Patton threw his head back and giggled, clapping his hands. "Who says you're no good at puns?"

“An understanding of the root of a pun does not necessitate an appreciation for the so-called humor of a given pun,” Logan replied dryly. “I have noticed a marked similarity between your favored style of puns and those practiced by my first graders.” Logan winked, in too good of a mood to maintain his feigned annoyance. Patton laughed and ducked as Logan reached out to muss his little brother's hair on his way to the door. After checking his pockets one more time, Logan crouched to tie his laces. ”Turn off the t.v. before you go to bed, all right? And keep the door locked, please. I have my key."

"You got it, Warden. Have fun!"

---

Hilly Kristal poked his head into the tiny, sticker-lined green room behind the stage at CBGB's. “You’ve drawn quite a crowd tonight, boys! Can you hear them?”

Virgil sat cross-legged on the counter in the corner, applying and reapplying his stage make-up in front of a small mirror he held with one hand. He frowned and made a face at Hilly. “Don’t remind us.”

Roman grinned broadly and stood behind his boyfriend, waiting for him to put down the eye pencil before wrapping his arms around him, pressing a kiss against his neck. “Oh, you know the crowd loves you, Vee.” He gripped Virgil’s chin, gently turning his head so their eyes could meet. “It’s almost enough to make me jealous….”

Blushing and fighting the grin pulling at his lips, Virgil returned to his make-up, muttering, “Oh, shut up,” without malice. Roman’s smile only grew and he released the drummer and allowed him to continue his preparations. Virgil turned and eyed the lead singer’s skin tight red leather pants, ripped shirt that revealed more than it covered, and velvet cape draped dramatically over one shoulder. “You know everyone in the audience is just going to drool over you, Ro.”

“He’s got you there, Ro Bro.” Remus leaned against the doorway, half-watching their flirtation and half-listening to the markedly louder crowd in the main area of the club. “What do you think tonight’s take is, Hilly?”

Hilly lit a cigarette and smiled. “It's looking like double last week's.” He blew a puff of smoke away from Remus’ face. “Word is out on you boys.” He took another drag on the cigarette before checking his watch. “You’re up in ten minutes.” Hilly turned to leave, calling and laughing over his shoulder, “Just remember who gave you your start, yeah?”

Shaking his head, Remus picked up his bass and checked the tuning. Roman started his round of warmups, chugging a sports drink and muttering about red and yellow leather. Remus rolled his eyes, smiling to himself. You can take the kid out of the theatre….

They were half-way through their set and Roman signaled to Remus to start their new song. Remus swallowed hard. This was their first song he had written completely on his own and Roman stepped away from the mic, letting Remus take lead vocals. He heard Virgil step down the tempo slightly, starting the familiar beat of his song. Looking down at his battered instrument, Remus started picking out the bass line. The light vibrations from the steel strings buzzed through his arms and against his hips before being amplified through the speakers surrounding the stage. He closed his eyes, letting the pounding drums meld together with the bass, listening as Roman picked up the melody on his guitar.

Slowly, the tension, the crowd, his anxieties, it all just melted away and all that was left was the music pulsing out through his fingertips and out in the universe. He opened his eyes and stepped closer to the microphone, lips brushing against the mesh, feeling his mustache scrape across the top. He started to sing.

How can you Even see me When I can’t see myself

His voice started in his signature low rasp, which, as Roman would point out, repeatedly, wasn’t strictly singing. One late night, hours into a marathon rehearsal session, Remus had finally lost his temper and shouted at his brother, “Well what the fuck would you call it, then, Manilow?”

Roman sputtered, “It—it sounds like you’re—” his face matched his signature cape and he turned his back to Remus, draining the last of the beer next to his mic stand.

Finally Virgil interjected, muttering to Remus, “Just let it go, man. Let it go." He'd tapped out a rhythm on the snare. "C'mon, let’s pick up right before the bridge….”

Shaking off the memory, Remus sang the next verse.

How can you Even see me When I can’t be myself

Remus looked out into the audience. As expected, all eyes were drawn to his brother. Remus glanced over and saw Roman swinging his hips, hands dancing up and down the neck of his guitar, ever the showman, even when he wasn’t singing lead. Remus swiveled back to face the mic. He’d been mistaken. Roman hadn’t captured every set of eyes in the audience.

Near him, standing just a few feet away from the lip of the stage, was a guy in tight jeans, a black, long-sleeved flannel, and knee high Doc Martens. His neck was draped with thin chains and he had spiky electric blue hair. His eyes never strayed from Remus.

All alone When I’m walkin’ Right through the glimm’ring light

Remus kept his gaze for a moment, watching as Blue’s eyes grew at that verse, before looking down for the next verse.

And they hate And they mock me But I won’t stop my fight

Remus risked another look, expecting to see that Blue had figured out that Roman was the one to watch.

Blue’s eyes were locked on him. Stay on target…. Remus started the next verse just before Virgil would have to start the section again.

How can you Even see me When I walk

Can you see me When they mock Can you see me

Blue’s eyes were answering his question.

Everything else faded away.

All the other sounds in the club, the bodies slamming against each other on the dance floor, Roman’s gyrations next to him, the frenetic, pounding beat of Virgil’s drums, all of it just fizzled away.

All that was left was his music, his words, and Blue.

When they bite Can you see me When they hate Can you see me

How can you Even feel me

They moved seamlessly into the next song in the set and Roman picked up the lead vocals for the next several songs, one of which included a tricky bass solo that Remus and Virgil created together. Remus looked up during their next song and he saw Blue out in the audience, not quite as close to the stage. Blue was watching him. Remus missed a note and Roman shot him an angry look, so he dragged his eyes back down to the bass in his hands, biting his lip, forcing his fingers to obey.

The next time Remus looked up, he caught a tiny glimmer of Blue’s hair over by the bar. Virgil counted off for their last song of the night and Remus poured his attention into his playing. The last song was always the one everyone remembered best and he was going to deliver. He just hoped Roman remembered the new verse he wrote.

On the beach At night alone You let go

All my world All my soul All the world belonged to you All my heart All my blood All my world belonged to you

Remus looked up as he played the last note, eyes scanning the crowd for that lovely electric blue. There was a sea of colors and shapes in the crowd, but Remus couldn’t spot his Blue. Fuck, dude, possessive much? Maybe learn the guy’s name first. Remus shook his head and unplugged his bass before following Roman and Virgil off the stage, heading back to the green room.

Just before ducking into the microscopic room, Remus scanned the crowd one more time, hoping to catch a glimpse of that lovely blue-tressed man. Not spotting him, he shrugged, then joined his bandmates, calling out, “All right, Friend, Roman, countrymen, what’s next?”

---

Logan yawned as he tiptoed into his apartment. As he’d anticipated, Patton had fallen asleep on the couch. Chuckling lightly under his breath, he turned around and locked and chained the door behind him, gently placing his keys and wallet in the little bowl by the door. He slipped off his shoes and walked over to where Patton was sprawled in front of the still-on television, currently playing an I Love Lucy rerun.

Smiling and shaking his head, he turned the knob on the television until it clicked off. He then opened up the blanket draped over the back of the couch, covering his brother. Patton woke when he nudged a pillow close to the back of his head, trying to ensure he wouldn’t wake up with a wry neck.

Patton’s eyes blinked open and he squinted, trying to focus on Logan’s face. Logan chuckled again, “Pat, are you certain you would not be more comfortable in your own bed?”

“Nah, big bro, ‘s cozy here… Mmmm… How’s the concert?”

Logan smiled, “It was a remarkable performance. They played some original works tonight, including a debut...” Logan’s voice trailed off and nodded almost absently, looking at nothing in particular. His lips curled up at the edges and he tapped his fingers to a beat only he could hear. Feeling Patton’s eyes on him, he cleared his throat and continued. “In addition to their usual repertoire of classics, of course. Quite enjoyable and certainly worth the late hour on a school night.”

“Hmmm… tha’s good. ‘Night, Lo …,” Patton mumbled, drifting back to sleep.

Logan kissed his brother on the head and chuckled. Twenty-four and still hasn’t grown out of falling asleep with the television on. “Pleasant dreams, Patton. See you in the morning.”

Logan took a moment to drink a full glass of water and take his vitamins before making his way to his room. He removed his contacts in the bathroom, swapping them for his usual black-framed eyeglasses. As part of his typical nightly routine, he scrubbed his face before brushing and flossing his teeth. When he was done, he used a clean paper towel to wipe down the sink, counter, and mirror, leaving the tiny bathroom shining in the dim light.

After flicking off the bathroom and hallway lights, Logan returned to his room and changed into pajamas. He hung his pants and put the rest of his concert clothes in the hamper. Walking past his dresser, he double-checked his alarm clock, briefly testing the volume, then took a moment to straighten the bright blue wig carefully set on its stand next to his clock. He smiled, then turned off the light and climbed into bed. ---

Image credit by Adam Dicarlo on Wikimedia Commons

taglist: @psychedelicships @mavenmush @demon9980 @crossiantgay @justmeandmygayships @tsfanficarchive @sandersidesbigbang @thomassandersidesbigbang2021

[tsuki-sennin]

So uh... Donbrothers is everything.

Like. goddamn. I... might have to do a liveblog/recap/what-have-you like I do for Revice! I mean, I know I could've done one for Zenkaiger, but it didn't feel right to do so so late into the series. Well, to make up for it, how about we compare their first episodes?

"don! don! it's a full force peachy festival!" That's my new Donbrothers tag. Filter that out at your discretion.

-It's definitely a lot less funny than Zenkaiger so far. That's not a bad thing at all, mind you, Toshiki Inoue's a way different writer than Junko Komura, he's more about drama than comedy. That being said, there's a lot of banger jokes filled with traditional Sentai absurdism, sooooo~!

-I love Sonoi, he's a very stylish villain, compared to Barashitara. The Barom reference makes me smile, I love seeing Toei pay homage to their classics. ...by the way, there's another villain in this series who's a Kagestar reference. By the way, GO WATCH THE KAGESTAR IT SLAPS. The fight scenes and shadow effects are so awesome, the characters are fun and loveable, the fashion is so fun, Goro Naya voices the main villain, and Bellestar's badass, especially for a toku heroine in the late 70s.

-Haruka's boyfriend being a mama's boy. Wheeze. He's a bad boyfriend though, she should dump his ass. I also like Yoppy, he's pretty effective for a first victim type character and will definitely kick off Haruka's character in a great way.

-Speaking of whom, Haruka seems to be our narrator and POV character. I love her a lot. Her backstory of her dream coming crashing down plagiarism allegations and getting turned on by everyone she cares about horrifies me personally, and I really hope Inoue doesn't bully her as much as his other protagonists. I think I might cry if he does.

-Did you know that Kohaku Shida was born on the same day as Britney Spears's performance in Munich, Bavaria in Germany? You can't do anything with that information, but hey! I also really like how she compares to Ako/Blue Swallow in Jetman. They're both ordinary gals dragged into all this nonsense, but there's a lot of fun contrast. Ako definitely felt like she was just along for the ride in the backseat (even if she was my favorite out of the Jetmen when I first watched it), but Haruka's essentially our protagonist so far. That alone is huge. I don't think she's quite as funny as Magine for our token lady, but this different angle works to make her just as relatable for me.

-God, there're Sentai face actors younger than me! I feel so ancient and I'm only 20!

-Tsuyoshi's got proper DILF energy. The way he and Haruka don't seem super into the whole super hero thing the way Tarou is is comedy gold, and I look forward to meeting his wife. ...is he our comic relief character? Like Raita/Yellow Owl in Jetman? Raita's also a Chad though, so I hope Tsuyoshi gets the same respect. I mean, he's literally a bird Ranger written by a guy whose last Sentai work had all bird Rangers. He's not as much of a DILF as Zyuran though. *Yet*.

-Tarou's funny as fuck though. I love just how extra he is, and the idea that he's using his obvious ego to uplift others into having as much fun as he is is really charming. Compared to fun and silly but capable Kaito, Tarou's just a posturing madlad and the contrast gives me serotonin. He's probably the most different from his equivalent in Jetman so far, at least personality-wise. Just from the first episode, he's a straight up good boy, but Ryu/Red Hawk was driven by vengeance and grief, and that made the love triangle between him, Kaori, and Gai so tragic and interesting. What's Tarou's deal, I wonder?

-Reiwa Era toku is like... peak aesthetic. Traditional Japanese wash paintings and cyberpunk and comic book trappings? Bitchin'! I love the DonBlaster too, it seems a lot less militaristic than the Geartlinger and more comic book-y. The vocal cameos from previous Sentai toy announcers are also very appreciated. Especially (at least as the wiki tells me) Shigeru Chiba from the Gaburivolver and Takeshi Kuroki as the Morphin Brace. The Zanglassword's also probably one of the coolest Sentai weapons I've seen so far. The LEDs and edge especially are super stylish.

-I know some folks are divided on having gears again but, I do like there's a lot of contrast between them. Like, different gears in the Sentai machine, if you will. I liked not having Zenkaiger just be Gokaiger again, but I think enough time has passed to go for the copying approach again. It can be a victory lap! ...I imagine the suit upkeep costs must be crazy though.

-This world's Kaito is mad sus, but good on Kiita Komagine for selling his (as of right now) very quiet performance. Is he God taking on Kaito's appearance to help out the Donbrothers fam (and yes, I'm serious about that question, Zenkaiger got insane later)? He's evidently learned a lot. The Zyuran he summoned seems awful quiet, so... And to avoid confusion, I'm going to call this Kaito Don Kaito.

-Compared to Zenkaiger, I also noticed that the sound design's not quite as bombastic? Like, the voices specifically. I feel like the music and the actors have been carrying the all the ham in the first episode. Like, that's not a knock against the series either, it's just kinda something I noticed? I do think I'll love the sound design more as I go on though. I know the opening fucks, that's to be expected!

Anyways yeah! Please look forward to next Monday, when we keep this festival going! We'll probably meet Professor Monke and Sonic OC soon! I already love them, sooooooo~! Don don! Don don don~! Matsuri da ze!

[weelittleweasley]

crazy (f.w.)

prompt: something has been off between you and fred and trying to get to the bottom of it is madness.

pairing: fred weasley x fem! gryffindor! reader

warnings: mild language, crying, usage of marijuana, underage smoking, being high, dwindling relationships, angst

word count: 6.6k

taglist: @rosaliepostsstuff​ @harrysweasleys​ @gcdric​ @lumos-barnes​ @whizboingies​ @lumosandnoxwriting​ @pxroxide-prinxcesss​ @c-t-h​ @lol-idk-oops​ @another-lonely-heart-blog​ @parseltongueswriting​ @shilohpug​ @peachypotter​ @spacexcowgirl​ @paintballkid711​@vogueweasley​ @kaseyrose96-blog​ @hufflepuff5972​ @gryffindcrghost​ @wand3ringr0s3​

The snow melted away revealing the lush, green Scottish landscapes that the Hogwarts castle proudly sat upon. Spring had made its arrival with the eruption of white forget-me-nots and blossoming wildflowers in the courtyard. The sight from outside your window made your heart fill with glee as you smiled brightly, a lighthearted giggle dancing off your lips. You turned to your roommates with bright eyes and a hopeful smile. Alicia sighs mellow dramatically as you run over to her with pleading eyes, “It’s a beautiful day outside. Don’t you want to enjoy the first day of spring?” you dance around her as Angelina enters your dormitory with a big, bright smile. She had the same idea as you, no doubt. 

Alicia looks back and forth between you and Angie before surrendering, “Not too long please. I have an herbology exam and I need to do well on it.”

Without much more hesitation, the three of you are out of the dormitory and scurrying down the stairs. “We’ll be surrounded by the grass and the flowers and the trees; that oughtta help with studying, won’t it, Angie?” you tease as Angelina laughs in agreement, earning a sarcastic eye roll from Alicia. Finally, a warm day outside after the brutal and unforgiving winter. The sun was out, the grass was green, and the air was fresh with renewal. Spring was here.

As you walk through the common room, you stop in your tracks when your eyes land on Fred, your lips involuntarily turning up into a smile when you see him. Angelina and Alicia run ahead of you as you grab Fred’s hands with a smile. “Freddie!” you beam, looking at him with a happy grin, cheeks tingling from smiling hard.

He reciprocates a smile and places a kiss to your forehead. “Excited to see me, darling?” he teases. “Where are you lot off to?” he asks, resting one of his hands on your hips, looking down at you as you excitedly rock back and forth on your heels. Your lips are curled into a smile as you bite onto your bottom lip, lovingly looking at your Fred. “Take a picture, sweetheart, it’ll last longer,” he whispers, teasing you as you roll your eyes with a light swat to his chest, making him chuckle.

“We’re off to go outside. It’s beautiful out and we figured we would enjoy the weather,” you tell him as he tilts your chin up with this forefinger, rubbing his thumb over your bottom lip. You giggle lightly before biting his thumb gently as he chuckles. “You want to come with us?” you ask hopeful for his response.

Much to your dismay, Fred sighs, “I’m afraid I can’t. I have loads of work to catch up on today. I’m way behind in Potions.” You pout, displeased with the news, but Fred kisses your pouted lips which brings an instant smile to your face. “I’ll catch up with you later though, alright, darling?” You give him a small nod before he pecks your forehead and leaves you, catching up with George who waits for him at the bottom of the steps to the boys’ dormitories. 

You run off, catching up with Alicia and Angie, linking your arms with them as you make your way outdoors. As soon as you step outside, the spring air fills your lungs, smelling of fresh grass and morning dew. A small smile forms on your lips as you happily sigh. Springtime made your heart soar. It reminded you of good things, happy memories. Running in the grass as you played games of tag as a child, going to the park and getting pushed on the swings as you swung higher and higher. Spring reminded you of laying underneath a tree, Fred’s head in your lap as you brushed through his hair, reading a book out loud to him as he happily shut his eyes, listening to the sound of your voice mixing with the springtime breeze. 

Angelina immediately makes a run for a grassy patch covered with beautiful wildflowers, laughing in the process as you and Alicia run after her. All three of you immediately flop down, the grass molding to the shape of your bodies as you lay back, staring at the pale blue sky filled with cotton ball clouds. As if on cue, the three of you sigh out. “This is nice,” you speak as Angie hums in agreement. “Aren’t you glad you came, Alicia?”

Alicia sighs, “Yeah, I guess.” You push her arm teasingly, making her retaliate, “Okay, okay, yes. This is very nice. Thank you.”

The three of you lay in the grass for a long while, making quiet chatter. At one point, you start picking flowers, tying the stems together to create a crown for each of you. You skillfully plaited the stems of the purple, yellow, and white wildflowers before placing the crown on your two friends’ heads. With the other flowers you found, you started plaiting again, this crown for Fred as you smiled to yourself, quietly making your masterpiece. 

“For Fred?” Alicia asks you as you nod your head, not looking away from the plaits. “Jeez, (Y/N), you’re like a lovesick puppy.” 

This earns a slap on the arm from Angelina, a small ouch dropping from Alicia’s mouth. “I think it’s sweet, (Y/N),” Angie beams at you as you roll your eyes, knowing she found it tooth rotting-ly sick like Alicia did. But you didn’t care. It was the small things that you did that made Fred know that you loved him. Small kisses in between classes, closing his textbook for him when he needed a break, offering a hug when he was stressed, sneaking out of class to meet him in the hallway. It were the little things that made Fred fall in love with you and you with him. Although a flower crown may be silly, it was just a token of affection. To show him that you were thinking of him while you were outside.

Recently, you’ve been doing little things more often just because of how busy Fred seemed to be. Your hang outs have been getting cut short and he doesn’t seem to have as much free time anymore. Whether it’s quidditch practice, studying for exams, or running off to pull pranks with George, you always catch him when he’s busy. It was a little frustrating, feeling like your boyfriend had been casting you aside and taking priorities over something else. But rather than telling him how you felt, you convinced yourself that this was just temporary and it would phase itself out. But a month had gone by, and nothing changed. But you still hadn’t brought it up to him. Instead, you continued doing little things.

Alicia groans, peeling herself off of the fresh grass, shielding her eyes from the setting sun. “I should probably head back inside now to study. The exam is this week and I still have a lot of work to do,” she huffs before standing from the grass, brushing off her skirt as you and Angelina follow her lead.

You link arms with Angelina as Alicia leads the way. Angelina looks at you, as you play with Fred’s flower crown in your hands. “You alright?” she asks you as you look at her with a small nod. “You seem gloomy.”

You think for a moment. You could tell Angelina about the situation, but you didn’t want to drag your friends into your relationship problems. She could talk to Fred, but why would she talk to Fred when you could? With a shake of your head, you speak, “I’m alright, Angie. Thank you for checking in though.”

She hugs you to her side, “Of course. You are one of my best mates, I just want to make sure that you’re happy.” You nod your head and walk back into the common room. 

Alicia and Angie start to the girl’s dorms as you part from them, towards the boy’s. “I’m gonna go to Fred’s. I’ll catch up with you lot later,” you smile at them with a wave before heading up the stairs to Fred’s dormitory. Nervously, you play with the flower crown in your hands, twisting it in between your fingers. You were hoping that you and Fred could finally have some alone time, hoping that George and Lee wouldn’t be in the room. It had been a long while since you had alone time with Fred. Even then, the last time was short lived, Fred leaving your room earlier than you had planned thanks to quidditch practice. 

When you reached his dormitory, you lifted your hand up to knock, but stopped when you heard laughter coming from behind the door. There were a few people in the room. You could hear Fred’s voice, but also a handful of others in the room. Your heart sank as you listened to the muffled voices behind the door, having a laugh with each other. Did Fred leave you out intentionally? You were friends with the same people in your year which made no sense as to why he didn’t tell you of this hang out. You got along with everyone just fine. 

You shake it off and knock on the door which causes all the voices to halt suddenly. You are so tempted to press your ear to the door to listen to the low whispering before you hear footsteps approach the door, the lock turn, and the door creak open to reveal Fred at the door. “Hi,” you speak timidly as Fred smiles.

But instead of swinging the door open as expected, Fred slithers out from the door and closes it behind him. “Hi, sweetheart,” he coos to you as you feign a smile. You look behind him at the door, wondering what could be happening behind it. “I didn’t expect you,” he interrupts your thoughts as you look at him.

“Well, you did say we would catch up later...and it’s later,” you chuckle as Fred smiles. “Um,” you stutter before formulating a sentence, “I, uh, are you busy now? I thought that maybe we could go out into the courtyard and grab a blanket and watch the stars? It’s supposed to be clear out tonight. Perfect for stargazing.” You had come up with this idea off the cuff, testing him. If he said no, he could invite you in to where he was clearly hanging out with some people already. If he said yes, it meant he was willing to ditch whatever was going on inside to be with you. 

Fred gives you a sad smile. “That sounds lovely, but I’m afraid I’m slammed with work tonight,” he tells you as your heart falls. You wait for him to invite you inside to his room with the obvious group he had. But he mentions none of it. “But I promise I’ll make it up to you. Soon,” he explains, kissing your hairline as you gulp, trying to keep cool. “What’s this?” he refers to the flower crown on your head with a giggle as you lightly force a smile on your lips to cover your disappointment.

“It’s, uh, a flower crown. I made them in the field. I made one for myself and Angie, and Alicia, and I actually m-”

“I hate to cut you off, my love, but I really have to get back to work,” Fred interjects as you stand there, mouth agape and eyes filled with pure confusion. “I’m sorry about tonight, darling, but I have to get going. I’ll see you soon, I promise. Love you,” he kisses your parted lips before slipping back behind the door, leaving you speechless and upset.

The flower crown in your hand suddenly looks very wilted as you sigh at the sight of it. You gulp hard, trying to keep calm and collected, but you can’t help but feel so disappointed. And lied to. Fred obviously had people over in his room and he didn’t tell you about them when you gave him the opportunity to.

Even more upset than before, you walk down the stairs and back to the girl’s dormitory, throwing Fred’s wilted crown in the garbage in the process. With low spirits, you walk back into your dormitory to see Alicia reading a textbook on her bed while Angelina laid on the floor, painting her nails, both shocked to see you back so soon. But before they could ask you why you simply stated, “He was busy.”

You take off your jumper and change into a fresh shirt and comfortable sweatpants as Alicia closes her textbook and sighs. “(Y/N), is something going on between you and Fred?” she asks you as you face away from them, changing. As you fold your clothes, you try your best to not let your sad thoughts get the best of you. “The two of you seem a little off lately. Can we help?” she asks, but that’s when it gets to you. You couldn’t hide the fact that something was happening between you and Fred and not something good. This distance, the feeling like you were oceans away, was starting to show to the outside eye.

Without bothering to cover it up, you let a small sob escape your lips as you turn around to face your friends. Both of them rise to their feet to comfort you as Angelina wraps her arms around you, pulling you closer as Alicia rubs your back. You cry in Angie’s arms, speaking through small sobs, “I just can’t help but feel worried for us.” The two of your friends listen to you intently, not wanting to miss a single beat. “Why do I let myself worry wondering what in the world did I do?” you cry out. You can’t help but feel like you did something wrong that made Fred cast you aside. 

You peel yourself from Angelina’s embrace you as you wipe your eyes with the cuff of your clean shirt. “I’m so sorry you feel like this, (Y/N). You don’t deserve any of it,” Alicia says. “He’s behaving like a child,” she shakes her head as you sniffle, Alicia still rubbing your back.

“It’s not even him behaving like a child. I’ve grown used to that. It’s just...” you sigh out, running your hands over your face. “I came to his room and there were people there...and he was hiding them from me. He came out into the hallway to talk to me and he didn’t invite me in when I knew there were people inside. He’s just become so...sneaky for some reason. And that’s not the Fred I know,” you trail off, thinking about how unlike Fred this was. “I feel crazy for feeling so lonely.”

The thought of Fred becoming someone you didn’t recognize made your stomach feel queasy and your chest feel tight. You fell in love with a wild, goofy, happy person who loved spending time with you. And now...now you barely even saw the boy to know what he was like.

Angelina looks at you with sad eyes, “Hey. You’ve got us.” You give her a sad smile and nod your head. She was completely right; just because your boyfriend didn’t want to hang out with you all the time didn’t mean that you didn’t have other people in your life. “Now let’s dry those eyes and enjoy the night. I’ll finish painting my nails and then we can do yours. After that, I say we sneak into the kitchens and get some snacks and head up to the astronomy tower. It’s supposed to be a clear night and that means it’s a great night for star gazing,” she suggests with a hopeful smile as you sniffle, a small smile emerging on your face.

You look to Alicia, an excited gleam in your eyes, looking for her answer. She sighs in defeat, “Yeah, I’ll join. But if I get a shit mark on this test, it’s you two’s fault,” she points a warning finger at you as you giggle.

“Thank you, the both of you,” you tell your two best friends. This was exactly what you needed. A night with your two best friends enjoying the views of the crystal clear night sky. It was exactly what you needed to get your mind off of your relationship with Fred. 

Soon enough, Angelina had finished painting her nails and Alicia had finished cramming in some last minute studying. “You sure that you’re ready for the exam, Leesh? Because if you’re not, we can do a different night!” you try to sympathize with her.

Alicia shakes her head, “Nah, I should be fine. Besides, I sit next to Longbottom. If worse comes to worse-”

“Alicia!” Angelina laughs as she just shrugs as the two of you leave your dormitory room, headed for the kitchens. “Alright you lot, come on now. And remember to keep,” Angelina speaks in a hush whisper as you tip toe into the kitchen, but halting in your tracks when you realize you’re not alone, “quiet.”

Standing in front of you is a laughing Katie Bell as she stands in between the legs of Fred who is sat on top of the counter, munching on a chocolate biscuit. The two of them are a giggling mess as you spot George and Lee raiding the cupboards for more snacks. But the laughter dwindles down as Fred’s eyes land on you. When his chocolate eyes meet yours, your heart falls onto the ground. He was busy, eh?

Alicia looks at your reaction and what she sees is the look of heartbreak. Anger starts to bubble in Alicia’s chest when she notices how upset you are. Without further hesitation, she claps her hands. “Alright, you lot. The kitchens aren’t just for you. Come on. Give it up,” she walks further into the kitchens, plucking snacks as she sees fit, one of them being the biscuits that Fred had in his hand. She immediately sticks the treat in her mouth before Fred can protest. “Thanks, Weasley,” she says with a mouthful of chocolate biscuit. 

You on the other hand stay put where you are, eyes glued on Fred and his on yours. Your eyes stare into his soul and you can feel how uncomfortable he is with you catching him redhanded. His eyes are like magnets, not letting you pull away from him. It’s like you’re in a trance and he’s trying to send you a mind message. But before he can say anything, you shake your head and break eye contact. Angelina mutters something under her breath as she walks towards Alicia to help her with snacks, but you can make out her saying something along the lines of how pathetic. 

Walking into the kitchens, following Angelina, you grab a bag from Alicia filled with snacks. As you turn around, you bump into George who is a giggling mess. “(Y/N)!” he exclaims as you sigh and give him a curt smile. “I haven’t seen you in forever,” he whines as you look to Angelina for help with wide eyes. “Is Freddie keeping you all to himself again?” he teases you, wiggling his brows.

But as you look at his eyes, you see how bloodshot they look, how droopy and tired his eyes are. He sports a lazy smile and a giggle keeps reverberating in his chest. You furrow your brows, “Are you...are you high, Georgie?” you ask him.

He scoffs, “Me? High? Pffft, no!” You give him a look. “Okay, yes. I am.” You look to Angelina and gulp, wanting to leave now before things got ugly. “Freddie, I miss (Y/N). Where have you been hiding her?” George calls out to her brother who remains seated on the counter, staring at you the whole time.

Fred opens his mouth to say something, but you speak before he can, “You’ve been really busy, huh, Freddie.” He just sits there and stares at you. “Thank you for being honest with me.” Your eyes divert and see Katie who stands in between his legs, hands placed on his knees. The sight makes you feel sick. “Very important business to attend to, you know? Keeping up with Potions homework. Maybe Katie can help.”

Not wanting to wait in the kitchen any longer, you start out with Alicia and Angelina not too far behind. Fred calls out your name, once, and then twice when you don’t respond. When you’re out the door, you call back, “Talk to me when you’re sober.”

You, Alicia, and Angelina walk out of the kitchens and through the castle, the energy between the three of you noticeably shifting as anger, hurt, and sadness bubble in your bones. Angie speaks, “(Y/N), you wanna ta-”

“No. I want to watch the stars with my friends. That’s all.”

Alicia and Angelina share a look as you continue to march your way to the astronomy tower, trying to enjoy what is salvageable of your night.

-------------

The next morning, the emotions you felt from last night are only amplified. The night under the stars with Angie and Alicia was lovely, but you couldn’t help your mind from wandering to the sight of Katie next to Fred, his eyes glued on you. You felt sick. You didn’t want to jump to conclusions without hearing the full story, but your gut was telling you something wasn’t adding up. The relationship wasn’t what it used to be, but this...this was something you didn’t think would ever happen.

As you sit up in bed, you run your hands over your face in distress, trying to figure out how to approach the situation. Angelina and Alicia are still fast asleep, so there was no use asking them for advice. You were on your own with this one. 

“Get dressed and then you can think of something,” you whisper to yourself. You hoist your legs over the side of your bed and stand up, stretching your arms out with a yawn. “You can deal with Fred later.”

And as if on cue, there was a knock at your door. You look at the clock. It was only nine in the morning on a Saturday, who was up this early on a day off? Slowly, you make your way to the door and speak from behind it. “Who is it?”

“It’s, uh, me. It’s Fred, (Y/N),” the voice speaks as you close your eyes, silently cursing to yourself. Shit. “We need to talk about last night and what happened in the kitchens.”

You remain behind the door, hand on the door knob, but not moving it. You knew you had to talk to him and sort this whole thing out whether you liked the ending or not. 

“Please, (Y/N).”

Taking a deep breath in, you open the door gently to reveal a messy haired Fred in a t-shirt and sweatpants, still groggy from sleep or lack thereof. He gives you a weak smile, “Good morning, darling.”

But his pet names didn’t bring a smile on your face like they normally did. Instead, they made your stomach sour as you just looked to the floor, pulling your jumper closer to your body. “If you want to talk, we can’t do it here. Angelina and Alicia are sleeping and I’m not disturbing them,” you speak plainly, looking up at Fred with cold eyes. 

He bites the inside of his cheek and speaks, “We can go into my room if that’s alright with you. George and Lee went down for breakfast.”

Even though you would have preferred to have this talk in your own room, your own space, it was better to do it in the privacy of Fred’s rather than having to wake up and shoo Angelina and Alicia, or worse, talk as they were asleep. Begrudgingly, you shut the door behind you and follow Fred to his dormitory, a familiar route to you, but one you’d rather not be taking now. 

The walk there is quiet and awkward. It is obvious that Fred is trying to make light of the situation, asking you how last night was with the girls, asking you about the day in the grass and how the weather was. But instead of engaging in conversation, you just give him one word answers or remain silent. 

When you reach his room, he opens the door for you and you step into his dormitory, immediately feeling like an outsider. It was unfamiliar. This room was where you spent most of your time for so long, but since you hadn’t been here in nearly a month you felt out of place. Like you were disturbing it. You were an intruder. 

Fred taps his legs before sitting on the bed, expecting you to follow suit, but you remain standing in the middle of the room, staring at him in your pajamas. “I just want to apologize for last night and you having to see me like...that,” he sighs as you remain unfazed by his words. “I should have told you that the boys and Katie and I were hanging out instead of telling you that I was working. It was wrong and I feel like shit about it...I’m sorry, love. I really feel like a dickhead,” he apologizes to you as you fold your arms across your chest. “The truth would have been so much easier to tell you rather than lie about something as silly as a group hang out. I just didn’t tell you because the boys were complaining that they never see me anymore because of how much time we spend together and I figured that if I didn’t tell you, you wouldn’t ask.”

You give him a look that just screams, you’re kidding me, right? You were busy hanging out with him? For Merlin’s sake, you hadn’t seen your boyfriend in almost a month and that was his apology? Rather his excuse? “They haven’t seen you? Fred, I haven’t seen you in nearly a month! Every time I try and ask you to hang out with me or even talk to me you have something to do. Quidditch, pulling a prank with George, hanging out with Lee, studying for an exam. Don’t try and make this about me and my demands because it’s not,” you retort to him as he just sits on the bed and stares up at you as you vent. “Not to mention, since when has you dating me ever stood in the way of you hanging out with your friends? If you wanted to hang out with them so badly, then you should have told me and I still would have said yes, Fred! I’m not a monster who wants you all to herself, but Godric, I’m sorry that I’ve miss my boyfriend!”

Fred rubs his face and simply says, “Well, I have been busy over the past couple of weeks, so that’s not rubbish.”

You laugh at his response. “That’s all you have to say for yourself?” you exclaim. “Fred, I’ve been driving myself crazy over the past few weeks wondering what I did wrong. Why you pushed me aside, why you’ve tossed me away like I’m a piece of garbage!”

“That’s not true, (Y/N). Come on,” he shakes his head, looking away from you.

Now, you are getting angry. He was going to pretend like him ignoring you and denying you for a month was nothing. That’s not how things worked. “Yes, it is, Fred and you know it!” you cry out, not realizing how loud you’ve gotten. “I don’t know what is happening between us, but whatever it is, I don’t like it,” you confess.

Maybe it was your emotions talking, but you couldn’t help but feel like Fred didn’t mind the distance between you two. Maybe he liked not being as close. Maybe he wanted to have more alone time away from you. But the thought of losing Fred, someone you had loved so dearly, so intimately, made you feel lightheaded. 

Fred stands up from the bed and you think he’s going to walk over to you and give you a hug, which you know you would gladly accept. You need his comfort right now. You need him to scoop you up and tell you that everything is going to be alright and that he’s sorry for making you feel so lonely and sad. But instead of him telling you all the things you want, no need, to hear, he speaks something different. “Maybe we’re just growing apart,” he suggests.

You turn to face him with so much hurt and pain in your eyes it was enough to shatter his heart twice. Your vision becomes blurry with tears as you swallow, pushing the lump in your throat down, blinking your tears away. What was happening? “We’re w-what?” you stutter.

“Growing apart,” he repeats. “(Y/N), we’re going to be graduating soon and we’re going to have to start thinking about what we want out of life. I don’t know if we want the same things,” he tells you as your heart is ripped out of your chest and stomped on at his words. All you can do is laugh in disbelief. “I’m serious. You always told me how after you graduated here you wanted to go back to school and become a Healer and have a family and move away from England...I just...Merlin, I don’t know how to say this...”

“Then don’t,” you cut him off as Fred looks at you, tears streaming down your face now. What he was saying to you know completely contradicted everything he had told you in the past. When you and Fred spoke of the future, he always spoke of you in it. He told you how he wanted to buy a house in the countryside and raise a big family together and take holiday vacations to America and do weekly visits to the Burrow. Fred always told you that no matter what happened, he wanted you in his future. And now, that was revealed to be a lie. “Fred, I don’t care about Healer school or moving away from England. What I want is you,” you tell him as you feel your chest tighten with pain. Now Fred’s eyes start to blur with tears as you look away from him, pulling at the roots of your hair in distress. It was like he changed overnight. “What...what happened, Fred? What happened that all of a sudden you tell me our futures don’t align?”

Fred wipes tears away from his eyes and takes a deep breath in. “It’s, um, it’s a long story, but um...the joke shoppe...it looks like it’s going to happen,” Fred tells you with a lighthearted chuckle. “Harry gave George and I the winnings from the Triwizard tournament to open up the joke shoppe. It’s happening. That’s why I’ve been distant these past few weeks. George and I have been planning like crazy for it. Testing products, crunching numbers, ordering stock, finding a location in London,” he rambles on. “Last night, the lot of us were testing out an...adult product and we didn’t realize the effects it would have...so that’s why we were like that in the kitchens.” 

His words make your heart swell for a moment. Fred’s dream was coming to fruition. His own joke shoppe. A place he could call his own with his best friend and twin brother. He could finally start creating the life he wanted and you couldn’t be happier for him. Except it seemed like that life he wanted didn’t have you in it. And that’s when your heart stopped swelling.

You nod your head, “That’s...brilliant, Fred. I’m so happy for you. Really. About the joke shoppe...that’s great news.” Fred gives you a hopeful smile, thinking that the worst was over. But it hadn’t even begun. “But, I don’t understand why you had to hide it from me. Did you think I was going to be upset with you? You know that I’ve wanted this for you just as badly as you have,” you tell him with the utmost sincerity which Fred knew to be fact. “You just couldn’t have me know about it for what reason exactly?”

Fred scratches the back of his neck before pacing around his room, trying to avoid the question, but you weren’t going anywhere. “I just...ugh,” he groans and throws his head back. “I just didn’t think that you would be interested. Besides, I need to focus on my work. I can’t have any distractions,” he says this last part without looking at you.

Your stomach is doing somersaults and you feel like you’ve just been lied to your entire relationship. Fred thought that you wouldn’t be interested? How was he going to determine what you were and weren’t interested in? “You’re joking,” you speak. “Fred, I will and always will support everything you do. I can’t believe you’d even think that I wouldn’t be interested in something you are so clearly passionate about,” you tell him as he gulps, knowing he was in the wrong for making such a claim. Even after all of these explanations of him ignoring you and diverting his attention elsewhere, there was something that just didn’t add up. “So, you asked Katie Bell to help test out products with you? Instead of me. Or Angie, who is seeing George. Or Alicia, who Lee has been flirting with since the dawn of time.”

Fred becomes visibly uncomfortable at the mention of Katie’s name and that’s when you shake your head, the whole thing becoming very clear to you know. This wasn’t about the shoppe anymore. This was about something else. “It was never like that, (Y/N),” Fred speaks.

“It was never like that or you never intended for it to happen?” you ask him, your voice cracking as you pace back and forth in his bedroom. He was distant with you because he was falling out of love. That was it. “Good Godric, I feel like I’m going crazy,” you let out a shaky laugh, unable to believe what was happening. The story just kept on unfolding.

Fred walks over to you quickly, trying to calm your fears, “Nothing happened between us! I swear on my life!”

You let out a laugh, “Sure! That makes me feel better!” Fred gulps. “But there was something that was there enough to make you push me away,” you speak lowly as Fred searches your teary eyes for something. He doesn’t know what he’s looking for; hope? forgiveness? love? friendship? You start pacing the room again, the venomous thoughts coming into your head as they vomit out of your mouth, “You know people told me not to get involved with you because you were a flirt, Fred. But I told them that you were different with me. You saw a future with me, but now I am proven wrong,” you tell him as he shakes his head in disbelief, trying to get you to stop talking, but you don’t. The words just tumble out. “I knew you’d love me as long as you wanted. And then someday, you’d leave me for somebody new,” you spill. “I just didn’t think that this someday would come so soon.”

“I don’t want Katie, (Y/N)! I don’t! Godric! I don’t!” he yells out. “(Y/N), I love you! You know that!” he screams as you just cry harder at his words. Over the past month, you didn’t feel his love. It felt like a chore to get an I love you out of him. “I’ve been distant because I’ve been working hard for my dream! My future! Why can’t you understand that I’m working for something I want!” he yells.

And the truth comes out.

Instinctively, you yell back, “Because how am I supposed to understand something you never told me! You never told me about the joke shoppe and your plans for it! Hell, you never told me Harry gave you the money! How am I supposed to support you when you don’t tell me how I can?!” you yell through tears. “Don’t you hear yourself! Your dream! Your future! You want! What about us?”

The both of you are crying now, you covering your mouth to prevent sobs from escaping, Fred sitting on his bed, hanging his head in his hands, sniffling. This all blew up so quickly and neither of you knew how to recover from this. The damage that the past month had caused was enough to put a gaping hole in your relationship that would be very hard to cover up. That was if you wanted to cover it up.

It’s silent for a while. The air is still and untouched. Fred on the edge of his bed, you sitting on the floor, back resting against the door. You want to get up and leave the room. But you don’t. You sit there. And think. 

And then Fred speaks. “Our futures don’t fit together,” he looks at you, eyes swollen and red matching yours. “We’ve tried to make them fit. But it won’t work.”

You laugh and shake your head, “Freddie...then you haven’t listened to anything I’ve ever told you.” He looks at you, twisting his face with confusion. “All I’ve ever wanted was you. I don’t care what happens after we graduate. Healer school was an idea. But you? You were never an idea. You were something I always wanted,” you confess as Fred gives you the saddest smile you’ve ever seen. “But if I’m not in your future...then...” you trail off, unable to finish the sentence. It was a nightmare. 

It’s silent again. 

But the longer you sit in silence, the more angry you get. Not at Fred. But at yourself. If you had known about what he wanted, what Fred wanted, you could have avoided all of his heartbreak and pain. But instead, Fred fed into your fantasy, this dream, this hazy future of yours and you let him. “I’m crazy,” you laugh as Fred look up at you. “I’m crazy for thinking that my love could hold you.”

Fred shakes his head, “No, (Y/N). You’re not. I love you and I always will.”

“Please don’t tell me that,” you close your eyes and bite down on your bottom lip to prevent the tears from falling again. You couldn’t let yourself hope for a future that didn’t exist with Fred. “This was never going to work. I’m crazy for trying,” you breath out before standing and brushing yourself off, Fred rising with you. “I’m crazy for crying,” you wipe away the remaining tears on your face.

Fred walks over to you as you place your hand on the door. “(Y/N),” he starts, “I never wanted us to end like this. You mean so much to me and I can’t just let you go like this,” he starts crying again, but you have to peel your eyes away. “We want to different things and we both deserve to be happy. Don’t you think?” he asks you. But his question sounded like he needed the reassurance from you. That he needed you to tell him that you agreed. To make it seem like you both wanted this break up.

Looking at Fred once more before you leave, you say, “We do want different things. You want your dream and I want you. But I can’t pretend like I’m happy that we are going our separate ways.” Fred nods his head, wiping his tears away. “I need space. And time. Away from you, Fred.”

And with that, you leave his room and start down the stairs back to your dormitory. You hide your face as best as you can from passing Gryffindor students, trying to be as incognito as possible. As you walk back to your room, you can’t help but think back on all of the happier times that you and Fred shared and think was it a lie? Was it all for show? It would be something that would keep you up at night. 

You were crazy about Fred Weasley, that was for certain. But even crazier for loving someone who didn’t want you as badly as you wanted them.

Walking up the stairs, you look out the window to see the fresh spring countryside. Admits all the chaos, the flowers were still blooming, the grass still growing, and the sun still shining. Spring was still here and new as ever. The snow had melted away to reveal the fruitful, lush land. A new start. Maybe it was time for you to have one too.